Electrochemical allylation of aldehydes in a solvent-free cavity cell with a graphite powder cathode

Abstract

Mixtures of carbonyl compounds and allyl halides, adsorbed on a graphite powder cathode, were reduced under aqueous anolyte to give high yields of homoallylic alcohols. Catalytic amounts of silver or tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate improved the yields significantly. Inexpensive allyl chloride gave superior results when compared to allyl bromide.