Electrolytic hydrodimerization process improvement

In a process for hydrodimerizing in an undivided cell an olefinic compound having the formula R.sub.2 C.dbd.CR--X wherein --X is --CN, --CONR or --COOR', R is hydrogen or R', R' is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and at least one R directly attached to either of the two carbon atoms joined by the double bond in said formula is hydrogen by electrolyzing an aqueous solution having dissolved therein said olefinic compound, conductive salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal phosphates, borates, carbonates and sulfates, at least 10.sup.-5 gram mole per liter of a directive salt selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium and phosphonium ions and between about 0.1 and about 50 millimoles per liter of a nitrilocarboxylic acid compound having the formula Y.sub.2 N(Z).sub.n R"COOM wherein Y is hydrogen, --R"COOM, (CH.sub.2).sub.m+l OH or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl;

• --R"-- is (CH.sub.2).sub.m or (CHR');
• R" is hydroxy, 'COOM, (CH.sub.2).sub.m COOM or C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyphenyl;
• Z is a divalent C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 hydrocarbon radical;
• M is hydrogen, alkali metal or ammonium, m is 1 or 2;
• n is an integer from 0 to 4 and at least one Y is --R"COOM or (CH.sub.2).sub.m+l OH in contact with a cathodic surface having a cathode potential sufficient for hydrodimerization of said olefinic compound, the improvement which comprises including in said solution between 0.1 and about 50 millimoles per liter of a tri(C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkanol)amine.