Selective electro-oxidation of cumene utilizing a flow reactor equipped with diamond electrodes

Abstract

Although oxidation of benzylic C(sp³)−H bonds is an important process for synthesizing biologically active compounds, the reactions generically require hazardous reagents, catalysts, and harsh conditions. Since electro-organic synthesis utilizes electricity itself as a reagent, reactions can proceed well even under ambient conditions. Herein, we report a selective oxidation of cumene in an electrochemical flow reactor. Cumyl alcohol was selectively obtained under optimum amount of charge and current density. The selective oxidation of cumene to cumyl alcohol was achieved because overoxidation of cumyl alcohol into acetophenone was suppressed by the electrochemical flow reactor.