Electrochemical Reductive Carboxylation of para-Quinone Methides with CO2

Herein, electrochemical reductive carboxylation of para-quinone methides with CO2 was developed. A variety of value-added carboxylic acids can be accessed in moderate to excellent yields. Preliminary studies showed that para-quinone methides were reduced to benzyl carbanion during the reaction. This protocol features high atom economy, operational simplicity, and environmental friendliness, enabling the synthesis of various carboxylic compounds.

Automated summary

Here, electrochemical reductive carboxylation of para-quinone methides with CO2 was developed, enabling the synthesis of various value-added carboxylic acids in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol features high atom economy and environmental friendliness.