Asymmetric electrosynthesis: emerging catalytic strategies and mechanistic insights

Abstract

Asymmetric electrosynthesis is an innovative approach that combines electrochemistry with asymmetric catalysis, enabling the selective synthesis of chiral molecules. Advancements in green chemistry have positioned asymmetric electrosynthesis as a powerful method for producing complex chiral compounds. In this process, factors such as current density, potential, and solvent are critical, but high selectivity largely relies on the synergistic interplay between electrode reactions and chiral catalysts. This review primarily focuses on recent developments in asymmetric electrosynthesis mediated by chiral catalysts and chiral electrodes. The section on chiral catalysts outlines the methods and mechanisms of asymmetric electrosynthesis using non-precious metal catalysts (Ni, Co, and Cu) and organic small molecule catalysts. The section on chiral electrodes discusses various strategies for achieving chiral synthesis on electrode surfaces. Finally, we summarize and compare the similarities and differences among the various catalytic methods, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages while offering insights into future directions for development, including material innovation, mechanistic research, system design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.