Issue 4, 2024

Self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 in the electrochemical reduction of aryl azides

Abstract

A unique self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 in the selective electrochemical reduction of azides is reported. By utilizing CO2 as the self-detachable protecting group, the selective reduction of azides to primary amines is successfully achieved. In contrast, in the absence of CO2, azides undergo a preferential transformation into formamide derivatives. Due to its stronger electrophilicity than that of DMF, CO2 preferentially undergoes nucleophilic attack by N˙ generated in situ under electrochemical reduction conditions, thus passivating the nucleophilic ability of the N-site and preventing the formylation process. The function of a self-detachable protecting group is achieved as CO2 is ultimately released through the spontaneous decarboxylation process, and this process does not require the addition of a deprotection agent. This study also proposes the generation of N˙ through electrochemical reduction of azides. The current findings demonstrate an unconventional application of CO2, which will stimulate the exploration of novel roles for CO2 as a non-C1 synthon in electrosynthesis.

Graphical abstract: Self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 in the electrochemical reduction of aryl azides

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Research Article
Submitted
17 Nov 2023
Accepted
28 Dec 2023
First published
29 Dec 2023

Org. Chem. Front., 2024,11, 1184-1191

Self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 in the electrochemical reduction of aryl azides

Y. Fan, Z. Zhang and Y. Zhao, Org. Chem. Front., 2024, 11, 1184 DOI: 10.1039/D3QO01913F

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