Electrochemical copper catalysis: a triple catalytic system for transient C(sp2)–H functionalization through mediated electrolysis
Author(s)
Ma, Tsz Kan
Begg, Callum S
Bull, James
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The development of copper-catalyzed C–H functionalization processes is challenging due to the inefficiency of conventional chemical oxidants in regenerating the copper catalyst. This study details the development of a mediated electrosynthetic approach involving triple catalytic cycles in transient C–H functionalization, to achieve efficient copper-catalyzed C(sp²)–H sulfonylation of benzylamines with sodium sulfinate salts. The triple catalytic system consists of a copper organometallic cycle for C–H activation, an aldehyde transient directing group (TDG) as an organocatalyst for imine formation, and a ferrocenium salt as an electrocatalyst. This mediated electrolysis strategy addresses key challenges associated with copper electro-chemical C–H activation, including irreversible copper electroplating at the cathode, and undesired substrate oxidative degra-dation. Mechanistic studies, including monitoring the anode operating potential and cyclic voltammetry, provided valuable insights into the mediated electrolysis process and the copper ion reoxidation mechanism to support the mechanistic proposal. This mediated strategy provides a new avenue for developing more efficient copper catalyzed transient C–H functionalization processes enabled by synthetic electrochemistry.
Date Issued
2025-07-23
Date Acceptance
2025-07-11
Citation
ACS Electrochemistry, 2025
ISSN
2997-0571
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Journal / Book Title
ACS Electrochemistry
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .
License URL
Publication Status
Published online
Date Publish Online
2025-07-23