Electrochemical Syntheses of Heterocyclic Compounds Using Transition Metal Catalysts

Abstract

In this review, we present the development of the electrochemical synthesis of heterocyclic compounds catalyzed by transition metal salts and their complexes since 2000. The review is presented as synthesis of nitrogen and oxygen containing heterocycles. The review reflects the applications of transition metal catalysts in the synthesis of aza‐ and oxa‐heterocycles. All reactions are green since they avoid the requirement of chemical oxidants. Electricity as sole oxidant is used to regenerate the active metal catalyst. Thus, in general atom economies of organic electrochemical reactions are high. Nevertheless, use of electrolytes does not affect atom economy. However, one should consider catalytic amount of electrolytes rather than equivalent amount to make electrochemical reactions much green.