Electron-transfer-induced molecular reactions: Electrode processes in organic synthesis

A fundamental aim in the field of electrochemistry is to investigate electron transfer events caused by electrode processes, which are more commonly described as redox reactions. In this short review, an overview of the use of electrochemical redox reactions in the realm of organic synthesis is given. These reactions can be divided into three subcategories: cathodic reduction, anodic oxidation, and a paired approach. This short review illustrates the basic schemes of these reactions and introduces representative examples that have been reported in the past 2 years, with a particular emphasis on the development of novel reactions.