Kolbe radical-initiated electrochemical desulfurization of thioamides under aerobic conditions

Abstract

A metal-free electrochemical desulfurization of thioamides is reported, enabled by an isobutyric acid-mediated Kolbe radical initiation under air. The protocol operates in an undivided cell, tolerates diverse substrates, and proceeds via radical activation and oxygen trapping, offering a mechanistically distinct, sustainable alternative to conventional oxidative desulfurization methods.