Stereoselectivity of electroreduction of a menthone-isomenthone mixture.

Abstract  Electroreduction of an equilibrium menthone-isomenthone mixture at a controlled potential in a diaphragm cell on various cathodes was studied. The influence exerted by the nature of a solvent and of an electrode, electrode material, and various additives on the reduction stereoselectivity of ketones was examined. Conditions for a predominant formation of the most stable of the four isomeric alcohols being formed, menthol, were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]