Electrochemical Method: A Green Approach for the Synthesis of Organic Compounds

Abstract

Background: Heterocyclic compounds have gained attention due to their growing demand against various infectious diseases, but their synthesis with hazardous chemicals, costly catalysts, and costly purification methods encourage researchers to explore alternative sources. The electrochemical method offers a powerful and versatile approach for assembling different heterocyclic structures. Moreover, it gives a highly proficient and green methodology that avoids harmful oxidants and reductants. Objective: In this review, we aim to compile the different types of reaction i.e. Curtin-Hammet, Michael addition, Wittig reaction, Henry, Diels-Alder, Friedel-crafts, Kolbe, Heck, Benzoin condensation reaction taking place in case of electrochemical synthesis in the last 3 years from 2017-2020. So, to the best of our knowledge, after 2017 there is no such report present that can explain the present scenario in the field of electrochemical synthesis. So, this encouraged us to write a review on this interesting topic. Result: From this study, we concluded that the electrochemical methods provide a green and proficient methodology for radical intermediate’s age utilizing electrons as traceless reagents, which could avoid the use of harmful oxidants and reductants.

Electro-oxidative quinylation of sulfides to sulfur ylides in batch and continuous flow

“…Organic electrochemistry has been recognized as an inherently green and versatile synthetic technology because it employs traceless “electron” to promote redox reactions and obviates the use of oxidizing or reducing “reagents.” 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 Moreover, it is controllable because of tunable electrode potentials and can be switched off anytime. 53 , 54 With our continued interest in electro-redox processes, many electro-initiation of carbon, 55 , 56 nitrogen, 57 , 58 , 59 or sulfur-centered radical or radical-cation intermediates 60 , 61 processes were developed by us recently.…”

Electrochemical synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some N-phenyl α-amino acids

“…17 To date, a number of methods have been proposed for the formulation of amino acids, including simple reuxing, 18 visible light irradiation, 19 microwave irradiation, 20 and ultraviolet irradiation, 21 but these methods all have limitations. In continuation of our work on electro-carboxylation, [22][23][24] in the present report, we introduced a synthetic route for the production of N-substituted amino acids via an environmentally friendly electrochemical C-C coupling method using carbon dioxide.…”