Non-C1 Synthon Role of CO₂: Promoting Divergent Electrochemical Defluorination

Here, an unpresented non-C1 synthon function of CO₂ is reported to facilitate electrochemical defluorination. The introduction of CO₂ modulates the electron distribution of the radical anion intermediate generated through one-electron reduction, thereby weakening the reduction potential and facilitating reduction and defluorination. CO₂ is released subsequently via spontaneous decarboxylation to complete its promotion role. The presented results shed light on a distinctive utilization of CO₂, which may stimulate interest in developing non-C1 synthon functions of CO₂.