Asymmetric electrocarboxylation of 1-phenylethyl chloride catalyzed by electrogenerated chiral [CoI(salen)]− complex

The feasibility of asymmetric electrocarboxylation of 1-phenylethyl chloride catalyzed by the electrogenerated chiral [CoI(salen)]− complex has been investigated for the first time. Using this system, optically active 2-phenylpropionic acid in 37% yield and 83% ee is synthesized from 1-phenylethyl chloride and CO2. The electrochemical behavior of the catalyst and the optimization of synthesis conditions are discussed. This study provides a new procedure for the asymmetric synthesis of a chiral compound and expands the applications of chiral CoII(salen) in the electrochemical asymmetric fixation of CO2. Keywords: Asymmetry, Electrocarboxylation, 1-Phenylethyl chloride, CO2, chiral CoII(salen) complex