journal article·2025-10Open access

Electrochemical Approach to Organonitrogen Compounds via C–N Coupling

Haifei Liu, Wenbo Wei, Qi‐Long Zhu

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 40

Abstract

Abstract The C–N bond is a cornerstone in the structures of many essential compounds, including amino acids, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and natural products. Traditional methods for C–N coupling often rely on noble‐metal‐based catalysts and harsh reaction conditions, which limit their sustainability. In contrast, electrocatalytic C–N coupling has emerged as a more environmentally friendly alternative, offering mild reaction conditions, high selectivity, and compatibility with renewable energy integration. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the field of organonitrogen electrosynthesis, focusing on various nitrogen and carbon sources, their activation mechanisms, and the impact of key parameters such as applied potentials, pH values, and electrolyte composition. Various catalyst design strategies and electrochemical characterization techniques are also discussed. In addition, it examines different electrochemical cell configurations. Furthermore, this review highlights the electrosynthesis of key organonitrogen products such as urea, oximes, amino acids, amides, and amines, while discussing the current challenges and outlining future opportunities for advancing sustainable C–N bond formation.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Radical Photochemical Reactions · Sulfur-Based Synthesis Techniques · Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Materials Science and Engineering Zhejiang Sci‐Tech University Hangzhou 310018 China

Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China Fuzhou 350108 China

State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Fuzhou 350108 China

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China

Funding

Key Technologies Research and Development Program · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province · Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province

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