Direct electroreduction or use of an electrogenerated base : Two ways for the coupling of polyhalogenated compounds with aldehydes or ketones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(96)01073-3

The electrochemical coupling of polyhalogenated compounds with carbonyl compounds is achieved in two ways. A carbanion RX(n)^- is generated either by the direct electroreduction of RX(n)Cl or by deprotonation of RX(n)H. In this latter case the base Ph^- is electrogenerated by reduction of iodobenzene. All electrolysis were carried out in an undivided cell fitted with a cadmium-coated cathode and an aluminium or magnesium sacrificial anode.