Published data and the results of the authors' investigations on the electrochemical conversion of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides and freons into valuable organic products are reviewed. Considerable attention is paid to the probable mechanisms of such processes, the role and position of the radical-ions and free radicals in them, and the effect of the structure of the reagents, the electrolysis conditions, and other factors on the composition and yield of the products. The problems of developing this promising process, which lies at the junction between physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and ecology, are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
