Electrochemical esterification reaction of alkynes with diols via cleavage of carbon–carbon triple bonds without catalyst and oxidant

Abstract

A novel electrochemical esterification of alkynes for the synthesis of esters was developed in which diols and their derivatives were used as the partners. This method is green as it is catalyst-free, oxidant-free, and additive-free and shows atom-economy. This is the first example of an electrochemical reaction via cleavage of carbon–carbon triple bonds. Meanwhile, this is also the first example of a carbon–carbon triple bond cleavage reaction of alkynes with diols.