Photoelectrochemical synthesis of chloroprocaine from procaine coupled with hydrogen generation

Chloroprocaine is favored in anesthesia for its effectiveness and safety but is produced through complex, environmentally harmful processes. There is a growing interest in developing greener, more cost-effective methods for producing chloroprocaine. Here, we establish a green and cost-effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach for synthesizing chloroprocaine from procaine using a WO₃ photoanode with oxygen vacancies. Achieving a high yield of 18.8 μmol cm⁻² h⁻¹ with selectivity of 92% and FE of 99%, this method leverages a free radical chain mechanism initiated by Cl· radicals formed over the WO₃. The incorporation of oxygen vacancies enhances light absorption and charge separation, facilitating Cl· and Cl₂ generation critical for its synthesis. We successfully produced 37.4 mg of chloroprocaine and 5.4 mL of hydrogen using a self-powered PEC device, demonstrating the method effectiveness and environmental friendliness for chloroprocaine synthesis and hydrogen production.