Highly selective electroreductive linear dimerization of electron-deficient vinylarenes.

A direct electroreductive dimerization of electron-deficient vinylarenes for the synthesis of 1,4-diarylbutane has been developed using a simple undivided cell with inexpensive carbon electrodes at room temperature. The control and deuterium-labeling experiments of electroreductive dimerization suggest that the hydrogen source comes from the solvent CH 3 CN. This protocol provides a mild and efficient route for the construction of C–C bond in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity and broad substrate scope. A highly regioselective linear dimerization of electron-deficient vinylarenes under mild electrochemical conditions is introduced, which could provide direct access to a diverse set of 1,4-diarylbutanes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]