# Electrochemical Activation of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes

## TL;DR

A new electrochemical method activates bicyclobutanes without catalysts, enabling reactions with aldehydes and arenes.

## Contribution

A novel, catalyst-free electrochemical strategy for BCB functionalization is introduced.

## Key findings

- Anodic oxidation and strain release enable BCB activation for cycloaddition and arylation.
- Oxabicyclohexanes and bis-arylated cyclobutane products are formed efficiently.
- A plausible electrolytic mechanism is proposed based on mechanistic studies.

## Abstract

Herein, we describe a novel, light, and catalyst-free
electrochemical
method for the activation of bicyclo[1.1.0]­butanes (BCBs) enabling
cycloaddition with aldehydes and arylation with arenes. This exceptionally
mild strategy for BCB functionalization leverages preliminary anodic
oxidation in concert with strain release to facilitate the formation
of oxabicyclohexanes (oBCHs) and bis-arylated cyclobutane products.
A plausible electrolytic mechanism is proposed, alongside insights
garnered from mechanistic studies.