Interfacial science for electrosynthesis

Interfacial science and electroorganic syntheses are inextricably linked because all electrochemical reactions occur at the interface between the electrode and the solution. Thus, the surface chemistry of the electrode material impacts the organic reaction selectivity. In this short review, we highlight emergent examples of electrode surface chemistries that enable selective electroorganic synthesis in three reaction classes: (1) hydrogenation, (2) oxidation, and (3) reductive C–C bond formation between two electrophiles. We showcase the breadth of techniques, including materials and in-situ characterization, requisite to establish mechanistic schemes consistent with the observed reactivity patterns. Leveraging an electrode's unique surface chemistry will provide complementary approaches to tune the selectivity of electroorganic syntheses and unlock an electrode's catalytic properties.