Electrochemical Conversion of Dichloroacetic Acid to Chloroacetic Acid in Conventional Cell and in Two Microfluidic Reactors

The electrochemical conversion of dichloroacetic acid to chloraceticacid is investigated in conventional cells and in microreactors.Two different microreactors are used: the first isa filter press cell equipped with PTFE micrometric spacers, easyto assemble and disassemble and available for a large varietyof electrodes and solvents; the second is made using an adhesivespacer, micromilling and press and could easily be developedon an industrial scale. The electrochemical synthesis isperformed successfully in the microreactors equipped witha graphite cathode under proper operative conditions. Theperformance of the process strongly depends on the nature ofthe cathode and, for microreactors, on flow rate and currentdensity. Both microreactors give high conversions and selectivityunder a single-pass mode and are allowed to work withoutsupporting electrolyte at low cell voltages.