Phase-Transfer Catalysis for Electrochemical Chlorination and Nitration of Arenes

A biphasic anodic oxidation method for aromatic halogenation process was developed, where aqueous metal salts were directly used as halogen source. Ammonium salts serve as both electrolytes and phase transfer catalysis to facilitate anion transport and oxidative transformation. This design allows for chlorination or nitration of multiple types of arenes using NaCl or KNO2. A unique biphasic electrochemical reaction, wherein tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) salts play a dual role as both electrolyte and phase transfer catalysts, was developed to furnish chlorination and nitration of aromatic compounds using cheap inorganic salts with up to 98 % yield, shorter reaction time and higher Faradaic efficiency. image