Electroreduction of unactivated alkenes using water as hydrogen source.

Herein, we report an electroreduction of unactivated alkyl alkenes enabled by [Fe]-H, which is provided through the combination of anodic iron salts and the silane generated in situ via cathodic reduction, using HO as an H-source. The catalytic amounts of Si-additive work as an H-carrier from HO to generate a highly active silane species in situ under continuous electrochemical conditions. This approach shows a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. In addition to hydrogenation, the use of DO instead of HO provides the desired deuterated products in good yields with excellent D-incorporation (up to >99%). Further late-stage hydrogenation of complex molecules and drug derivatives demonstrate potential application in the pharmaceutical industry. Mechanistic studies are performed and provide support for the proposed mechanistic pathway.