Electrochemistry of oxygen-containing compounds

Abstract

Oxygenated compounds cover a vast extension within organic chemistry. The electrochemistry of the main families is discussed in this chapter, considering the importance of solvent effects. An overview of the main electrosynthetic and photoelectrosynthetic processes, both oxidative and reductive processes, is presented. Strategies are described to overcome difficulties in electrosynthesis and provide an alternative, sometimes with access to new structures with high application potential. The electrochemistry of polyphenols and quinones/hydroquinones, for instance, is of considerable importance. However, the wider use of electrochemistry in synthesis still needs to be developed.