Umpolung of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes by electrogenerated NHCs in ionic liquids: Synthesis of γ-butyrolactones

The γ-butyrolactone formation by umpolung of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was catalyzed, in ionic liquids, by electrogenerated N-heterocyclic carbenes. The ionic liquids were used in the double role of pre-catalysts and solvents.

Research Highlights
► Electrosynthesis of γ-butyrolactones in ionic liquids.
► Electrogenerated N-heterocyclic carbenes as organocatalysts.
► Ionic liquids in the double role of pre-catalysts and solvents.