Electro1ytic Reduction of D-Ribonolactone with Controlled Cathode Potential

Abstract

D-Ribonolactone and D-ribose indicate reduction wave in 1×10^-1M tetramethylammonium chloride solution (A solution) or in 1×10^-1M tetramethyl ammonium chloride-3×10^-2M boric acid solution (B solution, whose half-wave potentials are -2.4₅, -1.9₆, -1.8₆, and -1.9₇ (vs. S.C.E.). Utilizing this nature, electrolytic reduction of D-ribonolactone with controlled cathode potential was carried out in A or B solution. The product obtained by the use of A solution was D-ribitol and that with B solution was mainly D-ribose. This result was interpreted from the point of half-wave potential. The reason for increased yield of D-ribose in the constant-current electrolyeis of D-ribonolactone by the addition of boric acid was presumed from the foregoing point.