Electron transfer-catalyzed reactions

Abstract

Electron transfer is one of the most fundamental and ubiquitous processes of all chemical and biological systems, and thus has been studied in detail both theoretically and practically. In organic synthesis, electron transfer-induced reactions have been extensively utilized to achieve various chemical transformations, constructing a wide variety of organic compounds, including natural products, pharmaceutical products, and functional materials. In order to trigger electron transfer- induced reactions, photochemical processes and one-electron redox reagents are widely employed. In this context, electrochemical processes have also been utilized to regulate either one or two electron transfers at the surface of the electrodes that afford not only various functional group transformations but also a wide variety of carbon-carbon bond formation reactions in a heterogeneous manner [1-3]. Several reactive intermediates such as ions, radicals, and radical ions are generated through the electron transfer to avoid consumption of additional redox reagents and the redox potentials can be easily controlled under mild electrolytic conditions. Therefore, they are promising methodologies from an environmental viewpoint.