Electrochemical deoxygenative homo-couplings of aromatic aldehydes

Abstract

An electrochemical deoxygenative homo-coupling of aromatic aldehydes is achieved to selectively access bibenzyl and stilbene derivatives. The protocol allows the homo-coupling of aldehydes to occur after single-electron-reduction at the cathode. Taking advantage of the oxophilicity of triphenylphosphine, the electrochemical deoxygenation proceeds smoothly to give reductive homo-coupling products.