The Verho Group

New Electrochemical C-H Functionalization Methods for a Greener Production of Chemicals

Electrochemistry holds immense potential to enhance the synthesis of a wide range of chemical products. In our research group, we actively work on developing new electrochemical methods that enable C-H functionalization, i.e., the direct transformation of carbon-hydrogen bonds into other more valuable carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds, in a more efficient manner. C-H functionalization chemistry is currently one of the most intensely studied research fields in organic chemistry, with numerous applications related to drug development, fine chemical and natural product synthesis, as well as materials science. Our group has previously contributed with several C-H functionalization methods utilizing palladium catalysis in combination with the 8-aminoquinoline directing group to activate C-H bonds in various types of substrate scaffolds.

Unfortunately, these conventional C-H functionalization methods, developed by both us and other research groups, have relied on unsustainable reaction conditions, including high reaction temperatures and large loadings of nobel metal catalysts and silver-based oxidants, which have limited their industrial-scale application. By instead leveraging electrochemistry for C-H functionalization, it becomes possible to conduct these reactions under milder and more environmentally friendly conditions aligned with the principles of green chemistry.

Recently, we have developed more efficient synthetic methods that combine electrochemistry with metal catalysts to achieve C-H functionalization at lower temperatures and without the need for additional redox reagents and additives. Furthermore, we have designed metal-free electrochemical C-H functionalization methods that require only the necessary reagents and working electrodes to function. A common feature of all the methods we develop is that they operate in simple undivided cell setups and are scalable, ensuring their potential for real-world applications. We have already developed several methods that can be used for the synthesis of various useful synthetic building blocks and pharmaceuticals, late-stage functionalization of complex molecules, and biomass valorization.