Electrosynthesis of β‐Hydroxy Ketones Directly from Ketones with Methanol as a Hydroxymethylating Reagent

An electrochemical cross coupling for ketones and methanol is developed, providing an efficient access to β‐hydroxy ketones. In this protocol, the biofuel methanol is readily used as a hydroxymethylating reagent to couple with ketones with hydrogen as the only by product. This sustainable reaction proceeds smoothly in an aqueous medium, giving diverse β‐hydroxy ketones in 26%–92% yields at room temperature in the absence of exogenous oxidants.