Mimicking Photoredox Catalysis Using Electrochemistry for Organic Synthesis

Photoredox catalysis and electrochemical organic synthesis are two emerging fields in organic chemistry. Inspired by the similarity between single electron transfer events in photoredox catalysis and half-reactions in electrochemistry, we developed a new electrochemical approach that mimics the photoredox catalysis for organic synthesis. We demonstrated using this approach for electrochemical trifluoromethylation of arenes and heteroarenes. We also established a theory for guiding the rational design of reaction conditions. Our approach will open a new avenue at the intersection of photoredox catalysis and electrochemical organic synthesis.