The electrochemical reduction of carbonate ions from an aqueous 5 M K2CO3 solution to methane, ethylene, formaldehyde, methanol and other organic reaction products was achieved. Electrolyses were performed in cells without a diaphragm at temperatures of -10 and -20 degrees C; the current density at the platinum anode was much higher than on the cathode (from copper, platinum a.o, metals). It is assumed that the reduction takes place through the intermediate formation at the anode of percarbonate ions.