Ruthenium-catalyzed electrochemical C–H activation for organic synthesis

Abstract

Transition metal-catalyzed C–H activation is a powerful tool in organic synthesis, providing high atom and step economy while reducing waste. Among the 4d and 5d transition metals, ruthenium stands out for its affordability and effectiveness under mild reaction conditions for diverse C–H activation reactions. Recently, advances in metallaelectrocatalysis have allowed ruthenium-catalyzed C–H activation transformations to use electricity instead of traditional oxidants, enhancing selectivity and reducing costs and waste. This review highlights the recent progress in ruthenium-catalyzed electrochemical C–H functionalization reactions, showcasing key developments and innovations.