Electrochemical reactions. Part V. The formation of cyclic glycols in the reduction of aromatic diketones

Abstract

The electroreduction of 1,8-diaroylnaphthalenes, 2,2′-diaroylbiphenyls, and αω-diaroyl-propanes, -butanes, and -pentanes with 4-hydroxy- and 4-methoxy-substituents on the aryl group has been examined. Cyclic glycols are formed, together with other products, except in the case of the αω-diaroylpentanes which give linear polymeric glycols. The yields of cis- and trans-glycols are compared.