Cathodic Reduction of Dicarbonyl Compounds

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction, under aprotic conditions, of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, as o-quinones, at the second reduction potential of these systems, is described as an interesting entry to 1,3-dioxoles by electron-transfer reaction to the solvent. When these reductions are carried out at the first reduction potential and in the presence of benzene diazonium salt, evolve to N,N-dimethylaminocarbonyl, cyanomethyl or 1,2-dichloromethyl derivatives, depending on the solvent employed, by a radical pathway.