Recent Applications of Homogeneous Catalysis in Electrochemical Organic Synthesis

Abstract

Although the combination of electrochemistry and homogeneous catalysis has proven to be a powerful strategy for achieving a diverse array of novel transformations, some challenges such as controlling the diffusion of catalyst-related species and the instability of catalysts at electrodes remain to be overcome. Herein, we review recent advances in electrochemical homogeneous catalysis, focusing on electrochemical noble-transition-metal catalysis, photoelectrochemical catalysis, and electrochemical enantioselective catalysis. The topics discussed include: (1) how the noble metal catalyst works in the presence of cathodic hydrogen evolution, (2) how the photocatalyst gets enhanced redox property, and (3) how the enantioselectivity is regulated in a catalytic electrochemical reaction.