Catalyst-Free Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids and Deoxygenation of Alcohols by Electro-Induced Radical Formation

Electro-induced reduction of redox active esters and N-phthalimidoyl oxalates derived from naturally abundant carboxylic acids and alcohols provides a sustainable and inexpensive approach to radical formation via undivided electrochemical cells. The resulting radicals are trapped by an electron-poor olefin or hydrogen atom source to furnish the Giese reaction or reductive decarboxylation products, respectively. A broad range of carboxylic acid (1 degrees, 2 degrees, and 3 degrees) and alcohol (2 degrees and 3 degrees) derivatives are applicable in this catalyst-free reaction, which tolerated a diverse range of functional groups. This method features simple operation, is a sustainable platform, and has broad application.