Chapter Nine - Electrochemical activation in organic synthesis applications

Abstract

Herein, starting from last 3 years, organic synthesis applications of electrochemistry are described. Electrochemistry is one of the oldest activation methods applied in the laboratory and dates back to the 1800s. In addition, electrosynthesis requires a galvanic cell, a potentiostat, two electrodes (anode and cathode), electrolyte, solvent, and a cell (divided or undivided). In this chapter, we have demonstrated an electrochemical setup and how an organic electrochemical synthesis takes place. Electrochemistry has been widely used in organic synthesis applications such as CH activation, halogenation, amination, and hydrogenation. The advantages of the developed electrochemical methods are (i) easy scalability, (ii) the use of inexpensive and/or recyclable electrodes, (iii) the use of little or no oxidant, (iv) high atom economy, and (v) good to excellent yields. In agreement with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable technologies, it is expected that electroorganic synthesis will find many applications in both research laboratories and industry in the future.