Recent advances in organic electrochemical functionalizations for specialty chemicals

Enantioselective C–H bond functionalization under Co(iii)-catalysis

“…In recent times, electrochemical synthesis has become one of the most popular tools in organic chemistry to access target molecules from available chemical feedstocks. 43–48 Moreover, the traceless oxidation of a chemical species using electricity makes the process sustainable and environmentally benign. 46 In 1830, Michael Faraday invented the electrolysis of acetic acid with the combination of a cathode and anode.…”

“…43–48 Moreover, the traceless oxidation of a chemical species using electricity makes the process sustainable and environmentally benign. 46 In 1830, Michael Faraday invented the electrolysis of acetic acid with the combination of a cathode and anode. 49 In 1847, Kolbe electrolysis of ubiquitous carboxylic acids to generate alkyl radicals was the first example of an organic electrochemical reaction and arguably this was the first example of electricity in organic synthesis.…”

“…49 In 1847, Kolbe electrolysis of ubiquitous carboxylic acids to generate alkyl radicals was the first example of an organic electrochemical reaction and arguably this was the first example of electricity in organic synthesis. 46,50 Recently, 3d transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective electro-organic synthesis has gained immense attention in organic chemistry and has made a renaissance in catalysis.…”

Nanostructured electrocatalysts for organic synthetic transformations

“…12 The vision of decarbonization of the chemical industry must take into account the potentiality of organic electrosynthesis powered by renewable electricity, which surely represents an emerging sustainable alternative route to thermal processes for the production of value-added and fine chemicals. [13][14][15][16] Conventional synthetic processes are typically energy-intensive and suffer from CO 2 emissions, with consequent environmental issues related to the CO 2 greenhouse effect. At the same time, CO 2 is an attractive low-cost abundant carbon source and can be in principle used as a C1 feedstock or building block for the preparation of organic molecules.…”

Electrochemical reduction of benzoic acid esters using water as a H/D source

“…Electrochemical reactions exploit the potential utility of electron transfer for the reduction of compounds at room temperature. 5 Electrochemical hydrogenation reactions are particularly interesting because they can utilize various hydrogen sources, including water, which makes the reaction considerably safer than reactions involving hydrogen gas. 6 However, several possible side reactions need to be considered in the electrochemical reduction of esters.…”