Electrochemical generation and reactions of acyloxytriphenylphosphonium ions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)87066-6

Constant-current electrolysis, in an undivided cell, of Ph₃P in the presence of a carboxylic acid in CH₂Cl₂ containing 2,6-lutidinium perchlorate as the supporting electrolyte was shown to generate the corresponding acyloxyphosphonium ion, Ph₃P⁺-OCOR, which was converted in situ to esters, amides, and β-lactams under mild conditions.