The Reduction of Organic Compounds by Solvated Electrons Generated Electrochemically

The present review deals with the reduction of organic compounds by solvated electrons generated at a cathode. The general conditions necessary for the electrochemical production of solvated electrons, and the systems in which this process is possible, have been examined. The characteristic features of the reactions of organic compounds with solvated electrons compared with other methods of reduction have been discussed. Specific data on the reduction by solvated electrons of individual classes of substances difficult to reduce, aromatic and unsaturated compounds, ketones, and derivatives of carboxylic acids — amides, nitriles, and esters — have been examined. The review will be useful for specialists in the physical chemistry of solvated electrons, theoretical electrochemistry, the electrochemistry of organic compounds, and organic synthesis. The bibliography contains 92 references.