Recent Advances in Electrochemical Synthesis of Nitriles: A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

AbstractNitriles unveil widespread applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, textiles, rubber, polymers, and constitute a significant intermediate in several organic transformations, necessitating the design of simple and environmentally benign pathways for their synthesis. Over the recent years, electro‐organic reactions have found widespread attention in developing effective and selective organic synthesis. They possess several advantages: high atom economy, selectivity, minimal waste production, and shorter routes to multistep traditional organic reactions. The development of novel strategies for greener and sustainable electro‐organic synthesis of nitriles is therefore commendable. This review focuses on analyzing various methods and strategies used in the electrochemical synthesis of nitriles using phase transfer catalyst, N‐oxoammonium salts mediated electrocatalysis, iodine‐mediated electrocatalysis, and anodic oxidations of aldoximes. In addition, the recent trends including the synthesis of nitriles via C−H cyanation, domino oxidation, bio electrocatalysis, and metal‐ligand cooperative synthesis have been discussed.