Electrochemical α-methoxymethylation and aminomethylation of propiophenones using methanol as a green C1 source

Abstract

Methanol plays a crucial role in organic synthesis as a green C1 source. Herein, the concise α-methoxymethylation and aminomethylation of propiophenones are achieved via electrochemical reactions with methanol as both the solvent and reactant. Methanol plays dual roles in this reaction: it is oxidized to formaldehyde (HCHO) and functions as a nucleophile. This protocol was performed under oxidant- and transition metal-free conditions.