Cobalta-Electrocatalyzed C−H Activation in Biomass-Derived Glycerol: Powered by Renewable Wind and Solar Energy

Abstract

Aqueous glycerol was identified as a renewable reaction medium for metalla-electrocatalyzed C−H activation powered by sustainable energy sources. The renewable solvent was employed for cobalt-catalyzed C−H/N−H functionalizations under mild conditions. The cobalta-electrocatalysis manifold occurred with high levels of chemo- and positional selectivity and allowed for electrochemical C−H activations with broad substrate scope. The resource economy of this strategy was considerably substantiated by the direct use of renewable solar and wind energy.