CO2 activation by electrogenerated divalent samarium for aryl halide carboxylation

The reductive carboxylation of aryl halides has been investigated using a samarium electrode as a sacrificial anode to yield the corresponding benzoic acids, providing a smooth strategy for CO2 activation. Carboxylation occurred after an efficient reduction of carbon dioxide mediated by an electrogenerated Sm(ii)-complex acting as a strong monoelectronic reductive reagent.