Electrochemical Dehydrogenative Acetalization Protection of Alcohols with Tetrahydrofuran.

A mild, facile, and environmentally friendly electrochemical protocol for the C(sp3)-H/O-H cross dehydrogenative coupling between various alcohols and tetrahydrofuran with H2 evolution is herein reported. This synthetic strategy does not require external oxidants nor catalysts. The broad functional group compatibility includes hydroxyl, halogens, olefins as well as an alkyne. Initial mechanistic investigations were conducted. The method provides a green and efficient hydroxyl group protection.