Electrogenerated hypervalent iodine compounds as mediators in organic synthesis

Abstract

Summary Iodine(III) compounds represent a well-studied and frequently used class of reagents in organic synthesis. Regardless of whether they are used in stoichiometric amounts or generated in situ from an iodine(I) precursor using a terminal oxidant, the associated waste and separation issues constitute major challenges along the way to sustainable and scalable processes. In this context, the electrochemical generation of iodine(III) species and their application for organic reactions constitute an attractive alternative because electric current is used as a traceless oxidant and unstable or hazardous species are conveniently generated in situ. This review summarizes the recent advances in the field of iodine(III)-mediated electrosynthesis, which comprise new synthetic applications, mechanistic insights, and concepts for a more sustainable electrolysis.