Active Molybdenum-Based Anode for Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions

A new and powerful active anode system that can be operated in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) has been discovered. In HFIP the molybdenum anode forms a compact, conductive, and electroactive layer of higher-valent molybdenum species. This system can replace powerful but stoichiometrically required Mo-V reagents for the dehydrogenative coupling of aryls. This electrolytic reaction is more sustainable and allows the conversion of a broad scope of activated arenes.