Electrochemical cross-electrophile coupling for carbon–heteroatom and heteroatom–heteroatom bond formation

Abstract

Electrochemical cross-electrophile coupling (eXEC), the union of two distinct electrophiles by means of electrochemical activation, has experienced substantial growth in recent years. This Review specifically focuses on eXEC reactions that enable C–X and X–X bond formation (X = heteroatom), providing an overview of recent advances in synthetic strategies and reaction development. We also discuss remaining challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly growing subarea of organic electrosynthesis, including broadening the scope of electrophile partners, enhancing selectivity, enabling scalable processes and expanding catalytic systems. The sections are organized according to the types of bond formed, as classified by the heteroatom elements involved. Overall, this Review outlines the current state of the field and offers perspectives on future directions for the development and application of eXEC in synthetic chemistry. Electrochemical cross-electrophile coupling (eXEC) has expanded the scope of available reaction tools for carbon–heteroatom and heteroatom–heteroatom bond formation. This Review surveys recent advances in methodology development, catalysis design and mechanistic investigation, while highlighting future opportunities in unconventional electrophile activation, asymmetric synthesis and scalable applications.