Electrochemically Enabled Alkylhydroxylation of Alkenes

Electroreduction-driven difunctionalization of alkenes offers significant advantages for enhancing molecular complexity and adding value to precursors. Herein we report an efficient strategy for alkylhydroxylation of alkenes with unactivated primary alkyl bromides and molecular oxygen via electrochemical reduction under mild conditions. This electrochemical method enables the convenient synthesis of diverse long-chain benzylic alcohols from simple commercial starting materials, demonstrating a broad substrate scope. Moreover, it allows for the late-stage modification of drug molecules and bioactive compounds.