Photoelectrochemical synthesis of chloroprocaine from procaine coupled with hydrogen generation

Abstract

Chloroprocaine is favored in anesthesia for its effectiveness and safety but is produced through complex, environmentally harmful processes. There is a growing interest in developing greener, more cost-effective methods for producing chloroprocaine. Here, we establish a green and cost-effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach for synthesizing chloroprocaine from procaine using a WO₃ photoanode with oxygen vacancies. Achieving a high yield of 18.8 μmol cm⁻² h⁻¹ with selectivity of 92% and FE of 99%, this method leverages a free radical chain mechanism initiated by Cl· radicals formed over the WO₃. The incorporation of oxygen vacancies enhances light absorption and charge separation, facilitating Cl· and Cl₂ generation critical for its synthesis. We successfully produced 37.4 mg of chloroprocaine and 5.4 mL of hydrogen using a self-powered PEC device, demonstrating the method effectiveness and environmental friendliness for chloroprocaine synthesis and hydrogen production.