On-Demand Electrochemical Synthesis of Tetrakisacetonitrile Copper(I) Triflate and Its Application in the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

An on-demand electrochemical synthesis of copper(I) triflate under both batch and continuous flow conditions has been developed. A major benefit of the electrochemical methodology is that the only byproduct of the reaction is hydrogen gas, which obviates the need for workup and purification, and water is not incorporated into the product. Upon completion of the electrochemical synthesis, solutions are directly transferred or dispensed into reaction mixtures for the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol with no requirement for workup or purification.

Automated summary

An on-demand electrochemical synthesis of copper(I) triflate has been developed, with the only byproduct being hydrogen gas, eliminating the need for workup and purification. Water is also not incorporated into the product, allowing for direct transfer into reaction mixtures for catalytic oxidation.