Decarboxylation of a Wide Range of Amino Acids with Electrogenerated Hypobromite

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201403112

Bromide-assisted electrochemical decarboxylation efficiently produces valuable nitriles in high yields from a wide range of naturally occurring amino acids in a single step. Bromide salts are used as both redox mediators and supporting electrolytes in a simple one-compartment setup. As demonstrated for lysine, the selectivity of the decarboxylation can be tuned towards nitriles, amines or amides. An electrochemical system is developed that allows the selective decarboxylation of a wide range of amino acids. Valuable nitriles are obtained in high yields in a single step by using bromide salts as both redox mediators and supporting electrolytes. The product selectivity of lysine can be tuned towards nitriles, amines, or amides.