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Updated: Oct 25, 2026

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Published on: January 30, 2015
Electrochemical valorization of polyhalogenated hydrocarbons and polyvinyl chloride toward halogenated compounds
1Department of Pharmacy, Nanyang Medical College, Nanyang 473061, China. wangzhen0312@outlook.com.
Abstract:
The electrochemical conversion of polyhalogenated hydrocarbons and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into value-added halogen-containing compounds represents an important research area. This is mainly because these substrates are abundant bulk chemicals or waste streams, alongside the inherent sustainability of electrosynthesis. Despite rapid advances in this field, a review specifically focused on this topic is still lacking. This review summarizes recent developments in the electrochemical valorization of polyhalogenated hydrocarbons and PVC. The discussion is organized into four categories based on the roles of these reagents: (1) polyhalogenated hydrocarbons as halogenating reagents; (2) polyhalogenated hydrocarbons as halogenated alkylating reagents; (3) polyhalogenated hydrocarbons as dual-function reagents; and (4) PVC as a chlorine source. Besides discussing substrate scope and reaction mechanisms, this review provides a critical evaluation of the limitations of representative transformations. Finally, key remaining challenges and future directions are outlined to inspire further innovation in the sustainable valorization of these abundant polyhalogenated resources.
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