Electrochemical Synthesis of C(sp)-Rich Heterocycles Mesolytic Cleavage of Anodically Generated Aromatic Radical Cations.

Herein we report an electrochemical deconstructive functionalization approach for the synthesis of C(sp)-rich heterocycles. The reaction proceeds the mesolytic cleavage of anodically generated aromatic radical cations and the trapping of formed carbocation intermediates with internal nucleophiles. The method has been demonstrated across various arylalcohol substrates to access a diverse range of C(sp)-rich heterocycles including tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, and pyrrolidine scaffolds (26 examples).

Electrochemical deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations.

This highlight summarises electrochemical approaches for the deconstructive functionalization of arylcycloalkanes the fragmentation of anodically generated aromatic radical cations. A diverse range of deconstructive functionalization processes is described, including discussion on the electrochemical reaction conditions employed, scope and limitations, and reaction mechanisms, in addition to highlighting future opportunities in this burgeoning area of sustainable synthesis.