2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) Radical Mediated Electro-Oxidation Reactions: A Review

Over the last few decades, the interest in green and sustainable chemistry has led to the development of different synthetic methodologies which utilize clean reagents. In that direction, the electro-oxidation reactions are considered as one of the most interesting and promising methods. This is predominantly due to their environmentally benign nature, as oxidation can be achieved without the need for commonly used oxidizing agents. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl radical commonly known as TEMPO is a stable aminoxyl radical utilized for the oxidation of various classes of alcohols to carbonyl compounds by using cyclic voltammetry. The present review focuses on the various electrochemical reactions utilizing TEMPO as a mediator such as the oxidative conversion of alcohols, carbohydrates, amines, sulphur-containing compounds, and alkenes in both laboratory as well as industrial scales and covers literature from 1950 till present date. The properties, reactivity, and yield percentages of these reactions would provide a basis for better electrocatalyst design in future studies involving TEMPO and its derivatives as mediators.

Automated summary

The interest in green and sustainable chemistry has led to the development of different synthetic methods utilizing clean reagents, with electro-oxidation reactions being considered one of the most promising methods. TEMPO, a stable aminoxyl radical, is commonly used for the oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds. The review discusses various electrochemical reactions using TEMPO as a mediator and provides a basis for future studies on better electrocatalyst design involving TEMPO and its derivatives.