Advances in Electrochemical Reactions Involving Acetonitrile

Abstract

Acetonitrile serves dual roles as both a versatile organic solvent and an active reactant in electrochemical synthesis, functioning as a carbon or nitrogen source to access amides, nitrogen-containing heterocycles, and other high-value derivatives. This review systematically classifies electrochemical acetonitrile transformations by bond-forming patterns (C–C, C–N, C–S, cyclizations) and mechanistic pathways, while highlighting the pivotal role of redox mediators—including organocatalysis, metal catalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis—in enabling these processes. Future advances will necessitate innovative electrocatalytic systems to advance the application of acetonitrile in functionalization of inert alkanes, enantioselective synthesis, and green production of pharmaceutical intermediate, particularly addressing challenges in regioselectivity and over-oxidation. Resolving these gaps will foster interdisciplinary advances in sustainable chemistry and drug discovery.