Synthesis of Dimeric Molecules via Ag-Catalyzed Electrochemical Homocoupling of Organic Bromides Paired with Electrooxidation of Urea

Abstract

We present a sacrificial anode-free approach to reductive homocoupling of organohalides that does not require a co-catalyst. In this approach, a divided electrochemical cell with aprotic and aqueous compartments separated by an anion exchange membrane enables coupling of the cathodic homocoupling reaction with anodic oxidation of urea. We show that, in contrast with traditional one-compartment cells relying on sacrificial anodes, the proposed cell configuration maintains stable cell voltage in the course of galvanostatic electrolysis. A synthetic potential of this method was assessed using a series of 13 organic bromides that demonstrated a strong dependence of the reaction outcome on the structure of the organic substrate, more specifically, the dissociation energy of the C–Br bond and the redox properties of formed radicals, which are discussed in detail. While not being suitable for the synthesis of byarylstructures, this method is excellent for C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling to corresponding dimeric products with up to quantitative yields. Simultaneous electrochemical treatment of nitrogenous waste in the adjacent half-cell provides an additional incentive for wide adaptation of this sustainable synthetic approach.