Electrosynthesis of 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride

The electroreduction of methyl 5-nitro-4-oxopentanate was studied by means of a polarographic method and preparative electrolysis in acidic-alcoholic solutions. The effects of the following factors on the yield and quality of 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride were studied: the cathode material, amount of electricity, temperature, nature of the solvent, concentrations of the initial nitro compound and hydrochloric acid, and the cell design. It was shown by electrolysis at a controlled potential and in a galvanostatic mode that the products of methyl 5-nitro-4-oxopentanate electroreduction are hydroxyamino and amino compounds, and also ammonium chloride, nitromethane, methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride, and monomethylamine hydrochloride. Their ratio depends on the electrolysis conditions. The highest overall substance yield (61.1–66.0%) and current yield (68.1–68.6%) of 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride was achieved at a copper cathode in a filter-press cell. The content of the main substance in the electrochemically obtained samples of 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid was 89.5–91.0%.