Kolbe electolysis or Kolbe reaction is a organic reaction named after Adolph Wilhelm Hermann Kolbe. The Kolbe reaction is formally a decarbocylative dimerisation and proceeds by a radical reaction mechanism.

As an example, electrolysis of acetic acid yields ethane and carbon dioxide:

CH₃COOH → CH₃COO^- → CH₃COO^. → CH₃^. + CO₂

2CH₃^. → CH₃CH₃

References

Electrode Kinetic Aspects of the Kolbe Reaction A. K. Vijh, B. E. Conway; Chem. Rev.; 1967; 67(6); 623-664.