Paired electrolysis enables selective C–N coupling for the synthesis of nitrogenous aromatics (opens in new tab)

Nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, such as aromatic imines and aromatic oximes, are vital in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. However, their synthesis via conventional C–N coupling strategies remains dependent on fossil-derived feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. Here we report a paired electrolysis integrating lignin cleavage with subsequent C–N coupling to synthesize these compounds. The system uses a Pd1/TivO2-NS cathode (palladium single atoms confined in titani...