Solvent-dependent reaction mechanisms in the electrooxidative coupling of phenols: insights by Raman spectroelectrochemistry.

The electrochemical oxidative phenol coupling reaction is a sustainable method for accessing biphenolic compounds. Using the dimerization of sesamol as a model reaction, insights into the reaction mechanism were gained Raman spectroscopy. By varying the solvent and electrodes, different reaction mechanisms were identified and correlated with the respective product yields.