An open-source electrosynthesis platform for reaction screening enables a nickel-catalyzed electroreductive aryl cyanation
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The application of electrochemistry to synthetic organic chemistry has resulted in the development of more efficient and sustainable synthesis methodologies. However, the costs and technical burdens of electrochemical instrumentation impose barriers towards the wider adoption of electrochemistry. Herein, we report a modular, open-source platform for electrosynthesis screening built around a low-cost miniaturized potentiostat. The platform supports electrosynthesis and electroanalytic methods, and its open design readily allows for customization. We demonstrate this utility of the platform by the development of a zinc-free, nickel-catalyzed reductive cyanation of aryl bromides with an electrophilic cyanating agent (2-methyl-2-phenylmalononitrile, MPMN). Replacing stoichiometric zinc reductant with a sacrificial tertiary amine allows the cyanation of aryl bromides incompatible with the original zinc-based conditions. In addition, acetonitrile can be used in place of typical hazardous amide solvents. This work provides a blueprint for non-expert practitioners to integrate electrochemistry as an accessible and affordable technique in their research programs.
Source: ChemRxiv
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223123584