EC-backward-E electrochemistry supported by an alkoxyphenyl group

EC-backward-E electrochemistry through electrocatalytic formal [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between anodically activated aliphatic enol ethers and unactivated olefins possessing an alkoxyphenyl group was clearly described by using cyclic voltammetric studies and spin density observation with B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations. The alkoxyphenyl group was found to regulate the electron transfer, which operates as an electron donor during the formation of the cyclobutane ring and as an electron acceptor from the anode to give the final product (EC-backward-E).