Electrocatalytic carboxylation of aliphatic halides at silver cathode in acetonitrile

A simple and efficient electrocarboxylation reaction of aliphatic halides has been developed using silver as cathode, magnesium as anode and CH3CN saturated CO2 as solvent in an undivided cell. The influence of some key factors (such as the nature of electrode materials, supporting electrolytes and temperature) on this reaction was investigated. Under the optimized condition, the corresponding carboxylic acids were obtained in moderate to good yields (22-89%). The electrochemical behaviour was studied at different electrodes (Ag, Cu, Ni and Ti) by cyclic voltammetry, which showed significant electrocatalytic effect of the silver electrode towards the reductive carboxylation of aliphatic halides. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.