Electrochemical Organic Synthesis

Abstract

The potential of electrochemical organic synthesis in achieving sustainable and efficient chemical syntheses, while offering unique reactivity and selectivity, makes it a promising avenue for addressing the challenges in synthetic organic chemistry. The past two decades have witnessed a remarkable advancement in organic electrochemistry, primarily due to the influx of passionate and innovative scientists. These trailblazers, armed with their unique perspectives, are driving the field into uncharted territories, often surpassing the visions of the early pioneers. Their groundbreaking work is carving out new frontiers and making significant scientific impacts, which are aptly highlighted in this special issue. Their pioneering contributions are projected to extend the core foundation of electrochemistry and usher in transformative insights. The articles featured in this special issue on electrochemical organic synthesis are the result of a diverse array of authors hailing from countries across the globe, including Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and the United States. This variety exemplifies the widespread adoption and universal appeal of electrochemistry in the realm of synthetic organic chemistry, confirming its global recognition and relevance within the international scientific community. In this special issue, a selection of review papers vividly illuminates the latest advancements and emerging topics in electrochemical organic synthesis. He, Pan and colleagues explore the evolution of spirocyclic compound construction via electrochemical synthesis strategies since 2000.1 Kong, Cao, and colleagues shed light on recent progress in electro-, photo-, and photoelectrochemical applications of quaternary ammonium salts.2 Qin, Li and co-workers present an indepth review of electrochemical difunctionalization of alkenes.3 Lu and his team delve into transition-metal electrochemical asymmetric catalysis including the recently emerged photoelectrochemical asymmetric catalysis (PEAC).4 Phillips, Pombeiro, and associates encapsulate the power of electrochemistry in catalytic enantioselective synthesis.5 Zhang, Liu, and their team offer a comprehensive summary of electrochemical cascade cyclization reactions used in carbon ring and heterocycle production.6 Mo and his team succinctly overview the latest breakthroughs in high-throughput experimentation technology for electrosynthesis.7 Gui and his team have provided a comprehensive summary of halogen-mediated electrochemical transformations of sulfur-containing compounds.8 Lastly, Chen and his team delve into the fascinating topic of photoelectrochemical cerium catalysis in their detailed review.9 Moreover, an assortment of research papers exhibits the cutting-edge methods and techniques in the field. A notable contribution from Charette, Poisson, Jubault, and their team delineates the synthesis of cyclopropylamines from the corresponding amides through a bromide-mediated, electroinduced Hofmann rearrangement.10 Mitsudo, Suga and colleagues described a bromide-mediated electrochemical cross-coupling reaction between arylboronic esters and aryllithiums.11 Zhang and associates presented a report on nickel-catalyzed electrochemical cyclizative carboxylation of alkene-tethered carbamoyl chlorides with atmospheric carbon dioxide.12 Powers and his team provided electroAuthor Information