Dual transition metal electrocatalysis enables selective C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond cleavage and arylation of cyclic alcohols

Abstract

We report a dual transition metal electrocatalytic approach for C(sp³)–C(sp³) bond cleavage and arylation of cyclic alcohols, providing an efficient and sustainable method for site-specific arylation of ketones. The reaction involves electrophotochemical cerium-catalysed generation of alkoxyl radicals from readily accessible alcohols. Subsequently, homolytic cleavage of the β-C–C bond leads to the generation of carbon-centered radicals that could be effectively utilized by nickel catalysis powered by cathode reduction to deliver the remote arylated ketone products.