From screening to the hectogram scale: sustainable electrochemical synthesis of mefenpyr-diethyl

Abstract

To demonstrate the technical application potential of electrochemical reactions, we developed a synthetic method to access the commercially available herbicide safener mefenpyr-diethyl. In a simple undivided electrolysis cell with non-hazardous aqueous sodium iodide as supporting electrolyte and mediator, the target compound was synthesized via the (E)- or (Z)-hydrazone. Environmentally benign solvents or solvent-free conditions ensure a sustainable process and excellent recycling of the excess reagents. Finally, scale-up to the hectogram scale was performed with good to excellent yield.