Research progress in electrochemical/photochemical utilization of methanol as a C1 source

Methanol is an important C1 source in organic synthesis because of its low cost, abundance, and biodegradability. Therefore, using methanol as a C1 source to synthesize high-value-added compounds is crucial. This review highlights the recent advances in various electrochemical and photochemical reactions using methanol as a sustainable source. This study mainly introduces the reaction of methylation, methoxylation, hydroxymethylation, and cyclization under the conditions of light and electricity. The reaction mechanisms of these reactions are also discussed. This study provides a reference for the future application of this kind of reaction in organic synthesis.