Highly selective electroreductive linear dimerization of electron-deficient vinylarenes

Abstract A direct electroreductive dimerization of electron-deficient vinylarenes for the synthesis of 1,4-diarylbutane has been developed using a simple undivided cell with inexpensive carbon electrodes at room temperature. The control and deuterium-labeling experiments of electroreductive dimerization suggest that the hydrogen source comes from the solvent CH3CN. This protocol provides a mild and efficient route for the construction of C–C bond in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity and broad substrate scope.