Biphasic organic synthesis with continuous electro-flow

Abstract

Organic electrochemistry has recently witnessed a renaissance in research as a green and cost-efficient method for activating small molecules. Although some of the critical challenges of batch electrosynthesis remain, flow electrosynthesis can overcome several issues arising from batch electroorganic systems, such as mass transfer, ohmic drop, and selectivity. The combination of flow technology with electrochemistry affords practitioners a very precise control over reaction conditions, thereby enhancing the reproducibility of electrochemical processes. The use of gases in chemical reactions for the synthesis of value-added fine chemicals is of great significance. This review summarizes recent advances in flow electrochemistry for biphasic (gas–liquid) organic synthesis. We summarise recent examples of selective hydrocarbon oxidations using oxygen gas in an electrochemical flow reactor.