On-Demand Electrochemical Synthesis of copper(I) Triflate and Its Application in the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

An on-demand electrochemical synthesis of copper(I) triflate under both batch and continuous flow conditions has been developed. A major benefit of the electrochemical methodology is that the only by-product of the reaction is hydrogen gas which obviates the need for work-up and purification, and water is not incorporated into the product. Upon completion of the electrochemical synthesis, solutions are directly transferred or dispensed into reaction mixtures for the catalytic oxidation of alcohols with no requirement for work-up or purification.