Deoxygenation of Alcohols in Organic Electrosynthesis: Basic Strategies and Recent Developments

Alcohols, prevalent in organic molecules, drive vital deoxyfunctionalization applications across pharmaceutical and industrial fields. Traditional methods relying on stoichiometric oxidants/reductants generate by-products, causing inefficient processes and purification challenges. Electrosynthesis offers a greener alternative by minimizing chemical waste. This review highlights advances in electrochemical deoxyfunctionalization of alcohols over two decades, covering ionic, radical, and trans-metal coupling mechanisms.

Abstract

Alcohols are among the most prevalent functionalities found in organic molecules and have made deoxyfunctionalization widely used in medicinal chemistry, process manufacturing, and natural product synthesis. However, the excessive use of oxidants and reductants in traditional deoxygenative methods, as well as the resulting stoichiometric by-products, leads to high process quality intensity and can bring in significant challenges to product purification. The environmental friendliness and sustainability of electrosynthesis have expanded the further application of this remarkable synthetic tool. The primary objective of this review is to provide the reader with the highlights of electrochemically promoted deoxyfunctionalization of alcohols over the past two decades, comprising ionic-type, radical-type, and trans-metal coupling reactions.

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