Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

6-30-1961

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering

First Advisor

Michael Frederick

Second Advisor

Carl W. Carlson

Third Advisor

James A. Bradley

Abstract

The use of sodium amalgam and potassium amalgam to reduce cinnamic acid to hydrocinnamic acid was accomplished in two concentrically constructed cylindrical cells.

In the outer cell, liquid amalgam was prepared electrolytically using a mercury cathode. The amalgam was moved by a rocking motion into the inner cell where the cinnamic acid dissolved in ethanol was reduced to hydrocinnamic acid. The actual percent conversion as measured by iodine numbers varied from 6.0% to 567, the percentage depending upon the number of coulombs passed into the electrolytic cell, the amalgam used, and whether or not stirring in the inner reduction cell was used.

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