Regioselective Electrochemical Cyclobutanol Ring Expansion to 1-Tetralones

A mild electrochemical method for the regioselective preparation of 1-tetralones under environmentally friendly conditions from readily available cyclobutanols was developed. A series of aromatic- and heteroaromatic-fused 1-tetralones was accessed through ring expansion of the functionalized cyclobutanols via electrochemical generation of alkoxy radicals and intramolecular cyclization.

Automated summary

A mild electrochemical method has been developed for the regioselective preparation of 1-tetralones under environmentally friendly conditions, accessing a series of aromatic- and heteroaromatic-fused 1-tetralones through ring expansion of functionalized cyclobutanols via electrochemical generation of alkoxy radicals and intramolecular cyclization.