Optimization Strategies for the Anodic Phenol‐Arene Cross‐Coupling Reaction

Dehydrogenative phenol-arene cross-coupling by direct anodic oxidation is a promising alternative to reductive cross-coupling, especially for construction of smaller molecules. The reaction pathway via phenoxyl radicals allows unusual regioselectivity. Nevertheless, the numerous electrolysis parameters pose challenge optimization, as they determine yield and selectivity reaction. Using design experiments, we present optimization strategies two example reactions improve space-time yield. In particular, coupling with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (syringol) were found be very robust in at high current densities up 150 mA/cm2. Cyclic voltammetry was used classify combinations phenols arenes, on basis which various clusters optimized. Based this classification, biaryls synthesized isolated yields 85 %.