Electrochemically Generated Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Click Chemistry: Triazole Synthesis and Insights into Their Photophysical Properties

Abstract Herein, we report the electro‐click (e‐CLICK) reaction via electrochemically generated copper(I) catalytic species. The reaction worked under constant potential electrolysis (−0.25 V) with copper(II) nitrate and 2,2′‐bipyridine serving as pre‐catalyst and ligand respectively. The reaction accommodates electronically different organic azides and terminal alkynes to afford 1,2,3‐triazoles in good synthetic yields with excellent 1,4‐regioselectivity. Compared to traditional click chemistry, the developed e‐CLICK methodology avoids the use of external reducing agents such as sodium ascorbate. Absorptive properties of selected triazole products were assessed by UV‐visible electronic spectra. Triazole ( 3 e ) was further applied for the spectrophotometric detection of Co 2+ and Cu 2+ species.