5 Electrosynthesis in Continuous Flow

Abstract

AbstractOrganic electrosynthesis is recognized as a green enabling methodology to perform reactions in an efficient and straightforward way. Electrons are used as the reagent to form anionic and cationic radical species from neutral organic molecules, achieving oxidations and reductions and replacing toxic and dangerous reagents. Within this field, the use of microreactors in continuous flow is particularly compatible with electrochemistry because of the convenient advantages of flow over batch, including: (i) low loading or no supporting electrolyte at all, due to the small distance between electrodes, providing significant advantages in downstream processing; (ii) high electrode surface-to-reactor volume ratio; (iii) short residence time; and (iv) improved mixing effects. In this chapter, the most relevant electrochemical flow reactors and electrochemical transformations performed in continuous flow are presented and discussed.