Electrochemical Oxidative Cross-coupling with Hydrogen Evolution: A Green and Sustainable Way for Bond Formation

Oxidative R-1-H/R-2-H cross-coupling represents an ideal way for the construction of new chemical bonds. However, the bond formation with loss of H-2 is typically thermodynamically unfavorable and thus usually requires an external driving force, namely, an appropriate sacrificial oxidant. Recent advances have revealed that oxidative R-1-H/R-2-H cross-coupling with hydrogen gas evolution can be achieved through electrochemical anodic oxidation and concomitant cathodic proton reduction. Electrochemistry provides new opportunities for the construction of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds in an environmentally friendly manner. This review article gives an overview of the recent developments in this emerging field.