Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2741-3358
Paper

Electrochemical Oxidation of Benzylic C(sp3)–H Bonds Presents a Versatile Metal-Free Approach for the Synthesis of Enones

Authors

  • Issa Yavari

    1   Department of Chemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of) (Ringgold ID: RIN41616)
  • Sina Shaabanzadeh

    1   Department of Chemistry, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of) (Ringgold ID: RIN41616)

We are grateful to the Research Council of Tarbiat Modares University for support of this work.


Graphical Abstract

Abstract

An electrochemical approach has been developed for synthesizing enones with various functional groups through the electrooxidation of benzylic substrates in an aqueous solution containing a methyl ketone. This method eliminates the necessity for hazardous metal catalysts and external oxidants. It demonstrates impressive chemical yields ranging from 68% to 80%, is scalable for gram-scale production, and achieves Coulombic yields between 10% and 15%.



Publication History

Received: 06 August 2025

Accepted after revision: 07 November 2025

Article published online:
01 December 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany