Electrocatalytic Formal [2+2] cycloaddition Reactions between Anodically Activated Aliphatic Enol Ethers and Unactivated Olefins Possessing an Alkoxyphenyl Group

Electrocatalytic formal [2+2] cycloadditions between anodically activated aliphatic enol ethers and unactivated olefins possessing an alkoxyphenyl group have been accomplished in a lithium perchlorate/nitromethane electrolyte solution. The alkoxyphenyl group was revealed to play an important role in the reaction intermediates to complete formation of the cyclobutane ring through intramolecular electron transfer between the cyclobutane radical cation and the alkoxyphenyl group.