Leveraging electrochemistry, a new synthesis of non-natural derivatives of itaconic acid is proposed by utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a valuable C1 synthon. An electrochemical cross-electrophile coupling between allenoates and CO2 was targeted, allowing for the synthesis of both mono- and di-carboxylation products in a catalyst- and additive-free environment (yields up to 87 %, 30 examples). Elaboration of the model mono-carboxylation product, and detailed cyclovoltammetric, as well as mechanistic analyses complete the present investigation.
Keywords: Allenoates; CO2; Carboxylation; Electrosynthesis; Itaconic acid.
© 2024 The Author(s). Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.