Electrochemical activation of C–H by electron-deficient W2C nanocrystals for simultaneous alkoxylation and hydrogen evolution

Abstract The activation of C–H bonds is a central challenge in organic chemistry and usually key step for the retro-synthesis functional natural products due to high chemical stability bonds. Electrochemical methods are powerful alternative activation, but this approach requires overpotential homogeneous mediators. Here, we design electron-deficient W 2 C nanocrystal-based electrodes boost heterogeneous under mild conditions via an additive-free, purely electrocatalytic strategy. electron density nanocrystals tuned by constructing Schottky heterojunctions with nitrogen-doped carbon support facilitate preadsorption benzylic ethylbenzene on surface, enabling turnover frequency (18.8 h ?1 ) at comparably low work potential (2 V versus SCE). pronounced deficiency nanocatalysts substantially facilitates direct deprotonation process ensure electrode durability without self-oxidation. efficient oxidation also boosts balancing hydrogen production from as-formed protons cathode factor 10 compared inert reference electrode. whole meets requirements atomic economy electric energy utilization terms sustainable synthesis.