Electrochemical Catalytic Hydrocarbonylation of Arylacetylenes

An efficient and environmentally‐friendly synthesis of aryl ketones through the electrochemical catalytic hydrocarbonylation of arylacetylene is demonstrated. The reaction conditions are mild without transition metal catalysts, extra oxidants, or strong acids involved. By using Selectfluor as the additive, this electrochemical transformation exhibits good functional‐group tolerance. The aryl ketone product is obtained with up to 90% isolated yield in the mixed electrolytes of acetonitrile and water. This method may open a new window for the green synthesis of aryl ketones from arylacetylenes.