Aryl halides as convenient precursors of electrogenerated bases. Efficient syntheses of β-oxo nitriles or esters by coupling active-hydrogen groups with esters
Abstract
In an undivided cell fitted with a sacrifical anode and a nickel cathode on which cadmium had been deposited, the electroreduction of aromatic halides affords a strong base which allows the effective synthesis of β-oxo nitriles or β-oxo esters from the coupling of active-hydrogen compounds with esters.