Three-component coupling reaction of benzylic halides, carbon dioxide, and N,N-dimethylformamide by using paired electrolysis: sacrificial anode-free efficient electrochemical carboxylation of benzylic halides

Sacrificial anode-free efficient electrochemical carboxylation of benzylic halides was successfully performed by using a paired electrolysis protocol. Constant-current electrolysis of a DMF solution of benzylic halides in the presence of carbon dioxide using a one-compartment cell equipped with a Pt plate cathode and a Pt wire anode (quasi-divided cell) resulted in efficient three-component coupling reaction of benzylic halides, carbon dioxide and DMF to yield N-methyl-N-(phenylacetoxy)methylformamides, as carboxylated coupling products, in good yields.