Work

Aggregation-induced C–C bond formation on an electrode driven by the surface tension of water

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Electrochemical organic synthesis is typically conducted in organic media. The solvent and related supporting electrolytes negatively affect the greenness of electrosynthesis. In this work, with 100% water used as the solvent, we realize aggregation-driven electrochemical radical cross coupling of unsaturated compounds driven by water tension. A key finding is that aggregation of the substrate at the electrode confined the radical intermediate and prevented side reactions, thus providing a way to regulate radical reactions in addition to their native properties. The reaction provides up to 90% yields with almost quantitative chemoselectivity. The pure water system readily yields the products via cold filtration, and the solvent is recycled repeatedly. In particular, the life span of the radical species generated in the reaction increase significantly because of the confined environment in the aggregation state. The greenness of this protocol is further enhanced with readily separation of product from media using cooling and filtration. Electrochemical organic synthesis is typically conducted in organic media negatively affecting the sustainability of electrosynthesis. Here, the authors realize aggregation-driven electrochemical radical cross coupling of unsaturated compounds using only water as solvent.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52042-w

Authors: Mengfan Li, Xu Cheng

Institution: Nanjing University

Language: English

Topic: Radical Photochemical Reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,790