Flexible graphene paper for large-scale electroorganic synthesis: C-H amination of benzoxazole derivatives

Large-scale synthesis of organic compounds using electrochemistry is an emerging, green, and sustainable approach, as it reduces the need for harsh chemicals, potentially lowers energy consumption, and minimizes waste. The C-H amination reactions are important because of the direct transformation of inert C-H bonds into more efficient and selective C-N bonds. This reaction also helps streamline synthetic routes by reducing the number of steps and the need for protecting groups. For large-scale electrochemical C-H amination reactions, the best way is to increase the electrode surface area. However, this approach is a big challenge with classical electrodes, e.g., glassy carbon electrode (GCE). New-type flexible, rollable, and durable electrodes are required to overcome this challenge. This work reports the production of a flexible graphene-based paper electrode (FGPE) using an economic mold-casting method for large-scale electrochemical C-H amination reactions of various benzoxazole derivatives. For the characterization of FGPEs and products of electroorganic synthesis, we have performed numerous advanced techniques. We have determined that C-H amination reactions occur with yields of at least 95% in 13 h by bending the FGPE. Large-scale electrochemical synthesis applications were applied using 5 times more electrode surface area of the FGPE, leveraging its flexibility and foldability. They exhibited a yield of 90% with a 16.7-fold increase in benzoxazole amount in the cell.

Dergi

REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING

Yıl

2026

ISSN

2058-9883

DOI

10.1039/d5re00512d

WoS UID

WOS:001710849300001