Direct Electrosynthesis of Ketones from Benzylic Methylenes by Electrooxidative CH Activation

Abstract

Electrify your chemistry! Direct electrosynthesis of ketones from benzylic methylenes in an undivided cell was realized in moderate to good yields. In this electrosynthesis, electrons instead of conventional oxidants and catalysts are employed to make the reaction environmentally benign. Moreover, the reaction intermediate radical was detected by ESR spectroscopy and the reaction mechanism was clarified.