Fig. 7: Proposed reaction mechanism of electrochemical benzaldehyde C–C coupling reaction. | Nature Communications

Fig. 7: Proposed reaction mechanism of electrochemical benzaldehyde C–C coupling reaction.

From: Electrochemical carbon–carbon coupling with enhanced activity and racemate stereoselectivity by microenvironment regulation

Fig. 7

The reaction process is depicted in four parts (from left to right). Part I: without CTAB, reactant orientates randomly and water layer is formed over CP surface. Part II: CTAB is adsorbed over CP interface in an ordered arrangement, which enhances dipolar interaction with reactant and repels interfacial water. Part III: at more negative potential, ketyl radical is generated via a PCET process, and it is stabilized by CTAB at CP surface via dipolar interaction. Moreover, the conformation of ketyl radical is modulated by repelling away interfacial water molecules, with enhanced intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Part IV: Radical coupling takes place with enhanced activity and racemate stereoselectivity.

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