Abstract:
Process for the production of adiponitrile by direct electrochemical hydrodimerization of acrylonitrile using a medium containing acrylonitrile, an electrolyte salt, water and, if desired, a solvent at a temperature of from 10* to 60* C. at a pH of from 1 to 10. In the process, electrolysis is carried out in a cell having a liquid cathode which is contacted by a solid anode which is not wetted by the liquid cathode or into which the solid anode is immersed to a depth of up to 20 mm. Adiponitrile is an important intermediate for synthetic fiber manufacture.