Electro-organic Synthesis as a Sustainable Alternative for Dehydrogenative Cross-Coupling of Phenols and Naphthols

The dehydrogenative cross-coupling of phenols and naphthols can be achieved by several oxidative methods. However, the key is the use of fluorinated alcohols such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol. The direct application of electricity represents an alternative synthetic approach, which is superior to other oxidizers (e.g., peroxides). The method is sustainable, inherently safe, and easily scalable.