Electrochemical Ni-Catalyzed α-Selective Hydrocarboxylation of Styrenes with CO2

Herein, an α-selective electrocarboxylation of styrene enabled by Ni–H utilizing water as the hydride source under a CO2 atmosphere is described. This approach features high regioselectivity and good functional-group compatibility. A series of anti-inflammatory drug molecules (ibuprofen, naproxen, flurbiprofen, and fenoprofen) were obtained in a direct and rapid way. Moreover, mechanistic studies have been conducted and provide support for the proposed mechanism.