Electrochemical oxo-functionalization of cyclic alkanes and alkenes using nitrate and oxygen.

Direct functionalization of C(sp)-H bonds allows rapid access to valuable products, starting from simple petrochemicals. However, the chemical transformation of non-activated methylene groups remains challenging for organic synthesis. Here, we report a general electrochemical method for the oxidation of C(sp)-H and C(sp)-H bonds, in which cyclic alkanes and (cyclic) olefins are converted into cycloaliphatic ketones as well as aliphatic (di)carboxylic acids.