Electrosynthesis of Organonitrogen Compounds via Hydroxylamine−Mediated Cascade Reactions

Hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is a key intermediate in the formation of numerous high value−added organonitrogen compounds. The traditional synthesis of NH2OH requires the use of precious metals under high temperature conditions, which leads to high cost, high energy consumption, and environmental pollution. The NH2OH−mediated cascade reaction integrates the electrochemical synthesis of NH2OH and the chemical synthesis of organonitrogen compounds, offering a facile, green, and efficient alternative. This review presents the recent advances on electrosynthesis of high value−added organonitrogen compounds by NH2OH−mediated cascade reactions. We present key concepts and the transformation process of different N−species to NH2OH, discuss suitable substrates and electrocatalysts, and elucidate the reaction mechanisms involved in generating compounds such as amino acids, cyclohexanone oxime, urea, amine, etc.. Finally, we address current challenges and future directions in this emerging field to encourage further research effort and the development of NH2OH−mediated cascade reaction.