Electrochemically Catalyzed Direct Hydroxylation/Carbonylat‐ion of Benzyl C─H Bonds Using Water as Oxygen Source

Abstract This study proposes an effective method for direct hydroxylation/carbonylation of benzyl C─H bonds. The key feature of this synthesis method is the use of electrochemical conditions that eliminate the need for metal‐free catalyst or oxidants. Water serves as a direct oxygen source to achieve direct hydroxylation/carbonylation of benzyl C─H bonds. The reaction exhibits good selectivity and a broad application range. By controlling the reaction conditions, various types of hydroxylation and carbonylation products can be synthesized, and the feasibility of gram‐scale reactions can be verified.