Catalyst- and Additive-Free Electrochemical CO2 Fixation into Morita-Baylis-Hillman Acetates

The electrochemical carboxylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) acetates with CO2 is presented. The process proceeds in the absence of transition metal catalysts and relies on the cathodic reduction of MBH acetates to generate nucleophilic anions able to trap low-pressure CO2. Valuable succinate derivatives are obtained (20 examples) in high yields (up to 90%) and high functional group tolerance. A remarkable substrate controlled (electronic nature) regioselectivity of the transformation was documented along with a mechanistic rationale based on control experiments.