Pulsed electrolysis: enhancing primary benzylic C(sp3)–H nucleophilic fluorination

Abstract

Electrosynthesis is an efficient and powerful tool for the generation of elusive reactive intermediates. The application of alternative electrolysis waveforms provides a new level of control for dynamic redox environments. Herein, we demonstrate that pulsed electrolysis provides a favourable environment for the generation and fluorination of highly unstable primary benzylic cations from C(sp³)–H bonds. By introduction of a t_off period, we propose this waveform modulates the electrical double layer to improve mass transport and limit over-oxidation.