Switchable Divergent Electrochemical Hydrodehalogenation of gem-Dihalocyclopropanes

Abstract

A comprehensive and effective electrochemical methodology is introduced for the diverse hydrodechlorination of gem-dichlorocyclopropanes and the ring cleavage hydrodefluorination of gem-difluorocyclopropanes under uniform electrochemical conditions. Moreover, the water content allows for the adjustable monohydrodechlorination or dihydrodechlorination of gem-dichlorocyclopropanes with exceptional chemoselectivity. Additionally, the mildness and practicality of this protocol facilitate its application to the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules. Mechanistic analyses suggest that the proton source may originate from acetonitrile.