Electrochemical synthesis of α,β-( E)-unsaturated esters in undivided cell (Horner–Emmons reaction)

Abstract

The known electrochemical synthesis of α,β-( E)-unsaturated esters (Horner–Emmons reaction) was modified in order to achieve the electrolysis in an undivided cell using magnesium as the sacrificial anode. The undivided cell procedure showed advantages over the traditional two-compartment cell methodology. The best yield using undivided cell methodology for the synthesis of aliphatic α,β-( E)-unsaturated esters was 85–86%, which is almost the yield obtained by means of the homogenous chemical reaction. This electrochemical methodology presented some limitations when aromatic aldehydes or base sensitive products were used.