Alternating Current Electrolysis for Organic Electrosynthesis: Trifluoromethylation of (Hetero)arenes

Org Lett. 2020 Sep 4;22(17):6719-6723. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01906. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

Paired electrolysis has a limited reaction scope for organic synthesis because it is often not compatible with reactions involving short-lived intermediates. We addressed this limitation using alternating current electrolysis (ACE). Using trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes as a model reaction, we showed that the yield was improved from 13% using paired electrolysis to 84% using ACE. We have also developed a theory for guiding the rational design of reaction parameters for future applications of ACE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't