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Scalable and efficient electrochemical bromination of arenes with Faradaic efficiencies surpassing 90%

Author

Listed:
  • Bing Zhang

    (Shenzhen University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Wei Liu

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Zhu Liu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yuhou Pei

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Di Li

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Hongbin Yang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Chuntian Qiu

    (Shenzhen University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Yang Fan

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Yinghua Xu

    (Zhejiang University of Technology)

  • Jie Ding

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Lei Yu

    (Yangzhou University)

  • Bin Liu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Chenliang Su

    (Shenzhen University
    Shenzhen University)

Abstract

Developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly approaches to synthesize brominated chemicals, which are important intermediates for the synthesis of various useful molecules such as pharmaceuticals, surfactants, pesticides, and biologically active heterocyclic compounds, is of great significance. Herein, we present a highly efficient electrochemical bromine evolution reaction over vacancy rich Co3O4 using cheap NaBr as the bromine source for the synthesis of valuable brominated fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals under ambient conditions. The introduction of oxygen vacancy onto Co3O4 can greatly enhance the activity and selectivity of bromine evolution reaction by optimizing Br* intermediate adsorption and desorption, enabling bromination of a series of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals at high yields.

Suggested Citation

  • Bing Zhang & Wei Liu & Zhu Liu & Yuhou Pei & Di Li & Hongbin Yang & Chuntian Qiu & Yang Fan & Yinghua Xu & Jie Ding & Lei Yu & Bin Liu & Chenliang Su, 2025. "Scalable and efficient electrochemical bromination of arenes with Faradaic efficiencies surpassing 90%," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57329-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57329-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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