Examples of Electrochemical Synthesis

M. Faraday was the first to observe an electrocatalytic process, in 1834, when he discovered that a new compound, ethane, is formed in the electrolysis of alkali metal acetates (this is probably the first example of electrochemical synthesis). This process was later named the Kolbe reaction, as Kolbe discovered in 1849 that this is a general phenomenon for fatty acids (except for formic acid) and their salts at higher concentrations. If these electrolytes are electrolysed with a platinum or irridium anode, oxygen evolution ceases in the potential interval between +2.1 and +2.2 V and a hydrocarbon is formed according to the equation... 

Following are given some representative examples of electrochemical synthesis. 

Other recent examples of electrochemical synthesis in continuous flow systems include the TEMPO-mediated electrooxidation of primary and secondary alcohols in a microfluidic electrolytic cell [30]. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the authors report that primary alcohols could be oxidized to aldehydes in yields of up to 81% and that the secondary alcohols were oxidized to ketones in up to 85% yield. Using the same experimental approach, the group have also reported the methox-ylation of N-formylpyrrolidine in very high conversion [31]. 

It should be mentioned that by changing the conditions of electrochemical synthesis — such as nature of the alcohol, the purity of the metal used as anode, the nature and concentration of the conductive additive, the voltage (usually 30 — 110 V DC is applied), the temperature, and even the construction of the cell — one can significantly effect the process of the anodic dissolution or even change its mechanism. As it has already been mentioned, the electrochemical dissolution of iron in alifatic alcohols gives insoluble iron (II) alkoxides [1005], while in 2-methoxyethanol a soluble iron (HI) complex is obtained [1514], Another example is provided by tantalum dissolution in isopropanol while high-purity metal is rapidly dissolved anodically [1639], the one containing impurities is passivated. Therefore, it is quite clear that each synthesis requires careful study, optimization of parameters of electrochemical synthesis, and isolation and purification of final products. 

The other examples of electrochemically driven ring motions in [2]catenanes are from the class of metal complexed catenanes (i.e., catenates) that have been synthesized and studied in our groups. These compounds, the synthesis of which relies on the ability of copper( I) to gather the bidentate phenanthroline ligand around its tetrahedral coordination sphere, are produced in remarkable yield [9, 28, 57f]. The principle of operation is essentially based on the different stereoelectronic requirements of copper(I) and copper(II). Whereas a coordination number of 4, with a tetrahedral or distorted tetrahedral arrangement is preferred by copper(I),... 

Baizer has critically reviewed the prospects for further application of organic electrosynthesis and has compiled a list of conditions for the successful use of this technique. The main suggestions were use of electrochemical methods in oxidation or reduction processes, where stoichiometric concentrations of oxidants or reductants, especially exotic ones, cf. Refs. 33,770,806) needed in conventional synthesis the use of an electro-organic syntheris where it is the only successful approach finally in small-scale processes, e.g. the production of medicinals or fine chemicals. These and further suggestions may be found in Refs. 33,754,769.770) p j. further information, concerning other examples of electro-synthesis, the reader is referred to recent reviews published by Lelandais Fioshin Baizer Koster... 

As in all other chapters connected with different methods of organic synthesis, we briefly outline in this chapter the basic principles of electroorganic chemistry, discuss the modeling of electrochemical reactions and reactors, and give several examples of electroorganic synthesis. 

Example 6 Electrochemical Synthesis of Polyamline-Boronic Acid (with Fluoride)... 

Another synthetic strategy is based on self-assembly driven by molecular recognition between complementary TT-donors and 7T-acceptors. Examples include the synthesis of catenanes and rotaxanes that can act as controUable molecular shuttles (6,236). The TT-donors in the shuttles are located in the dumb-beU shaped component of the rotaxane and the 7T-acceptors in the macrocycHc component, or vice versa. The shuttles may be switched by chemical, electrochemical, or photochemical means. 

Electrochemical methods may also be used in the synthesis of chalcogen-nitrogen compounds. For example, the electrochemical reduction of salts of the [SsNs]" cation (Section 5.3.9) in SO2 or CH2CI2 at low temperatures produces microcrystals of the superconducting polymer (SN). ... 

It must be noted that impurities in the ionic liquids can have a profound impact on the potential limits and the corresponding electrochemical window. During the synthesis of many of the non-haloaluminate ionic liquids, residual halide and water may remain in the final product [13]. Halide ions (Cl , Br , I ) are more easily oxidized than the fluorine-containing anions used in most non-haloaluminate ionic liquids. Consequently, the observed anodic potential limit can be appreciably reduced if significant concentrations of halide ions are present. Contamination of an ionic liquid with significant amounts of water can affect both the anodic and the cathodic potential limits, as water can be both reduced and oxidized in the potential limits of many ionic liquids. Recent work by Schroder et al. demonstrated considerable reduction in both the anodic and cathodic limits of several ionic liquids upon the addition of 3 % water (by weight) [14]. For example, the electrochemical window of dry [BMIM][BF4] was found to be 4.10 V, while that for the ionic liquid with 3 % water by weight was reduced to 1.95 V. In addition to its electrochemistry, water can react with the ionic liquid components (especially anions) to produce products... 

Some halogenometalate species have been observed to have formed spontaneously during spectroelectrochemical studies in ionic liquids. For example, [MoCl ] (which is hydrolyzed in water, is coordinated by solvent in polar solvents, and has salts that are insoluble in non-polar solvents) can only be observed in basic (X(A1C13) < 0.5 chloroaluminate ionic liquids [1]. FFowever, this work has been directed at the measurement of electrochemical data, rather than exploitation of the ionic liquids as solvents for synthesis [2]. It has been shown that the tetrachloroa-luminate ion will act as a bidentate ligand in acidic X(A1C13) > 0.5 chloroaluminate ionic liquids, forming [M(AlCl4)3] ions [3]. This was also the result of the spontaneous formation of the complexes, rather than a deliberate attempt to synthesize them. 

Electrochemistry is widely used in industry, for example in effluent treatment, corrosion prevention and electroplating as well as in electrochemical synthesis. Electrochemical synthesis is a well-established technology for major processes such as aluminium and chlorine production there is, however, increased interest in the use of electrochemistry for clean synthesis of fine chemicals. The possible green benefits of using electrochemical synthesis include ... 

In 2009, Rauchfuss and coworkers succeeded in the synthesis of the Fe- i-H-Ni complex [(CO)3Fe(pdt)(p-H)Ni(dppe)]BF4 28 (pdt = 1,3-propanedithiolate, dppe = 1,2-C2H4(PPh2)2) as a model for [NiFeJ-hydrogenases (Scheme 64) [212]. The structure of 28 was characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis. This is the first example of an Fe-Ni thiolato hydride complex. Evolution of H2 by electrochemical reduction of CF3CO2H (pXa = 12.65) was observed in the presence of the catalytic amounts of 28. 

As an illustrative example of this method for electrochemical synthesis of sulfide compounds consisfed in utilizing a sulfur-modified mefal surface as a template for fhe elecfrodeposition of mefal sulfide films, Tacconi and Rajeshwar described fhe firsf aflempl fo obfain all-elecfrodeposifed indium sulfide tiiin films, by a dual batii procedure [95] (cf conventional deposition of indium chalcogenides). The... 

Several successful examples of coupling this regeneration system to synthesis reactions with different electrochemical reactors have been reported, including ADH and monooxygenase reactions [39, 42, 43]. 

---