Switchable electrosynthesis of furoquinones in batch and continuous-flow modes

Abstract

The directly switchable electrosynthesis of non-deaminated and deaminated furoquinones under catalyst- and oxidant-free conditions was developed. The scale up investigations were carried out in batch and continuous-flow. A dramatic decrease in the yield was obtained, even though only two times more substrate amount was involved compared with the standard conditions in the batch mode. Interestingly, good yields and steady production were achieved using the continuous-flow reactor. Moreover, continuous flow electrosynthesis gave higher production rate under higher current using lesser electrolyte. Higher concentration of substrate was compatible, which contributed to the solvent economy. Therefore, good scalable potential using continuous-flow electrosynthesis reactor was observed.