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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Light-driven Enzymatic Decarboxylation
Published on: May 22, 2016
Catalyst-Free Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids and Deoxygenation of Alcohols by Electro-Induced Radical Formation
Xiaoping Chen1, Xiaosheng Luo2, Xiao Peng1
1Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of, Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Electro-induced reduction of redox active esters and N-phthalimidoyl oxalates derived from naturally abundant carboxylic acids and alcohols provides a sustainable and inexpensive approach to radical formation via undivided electrochemical cells. The resulting radicals are trapped by an electron-poor olefin or hydrogen atom source to furnish the Giese reaction or reductive decarboxylation products, respectively. A broad range of carboxylic acid (1°, 2°, and 3°) and alcohol (2° and 3°) derivatives are applicable in this catalyst-free reaction, which tolerated a diverse range of functional groups. This method features simple operation, is a sustainable platform, and has broad application.
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