Site-Selective Electrochemical Oxidation of Carbohydrates

The site-selective transformation of unprotected sugars poses significant challenges to synthetic chemists but comes with a reward of step-economic and energy efficient protocols. By replacing stoichiometric oxidants with electricity, greener processes are anticipated. To date, mostly C3- and C6-selective transformations have been developed urging for further developments. Herein, we call for action to synthetic chemists to tackle the associated challenges of site-selective transformations of unprotected sugars toward challenging C2 and C4 regioisomers fueled by mild electroorganic transformations.