The functionalization of C–H bonds largely relies on organic (pseudo-)halide electrophiles as coupling partners, which results in stoichiometric quantities of undesired by-products. Therefore, to achieve better resource economy, the formation of C–C bonds can be realized by activation of two C–H bonds in a dehydrogenative fashion. Nearly full atom-economy can be achieved by oxidative C–H activations with molecular hydrogen as the only by-product, while the step-economy is improved by avoiding the use of prefunctionalized substrates. Recently, merged with electrochemistry, the often toxic, sacrificial chemical oxidants for oxidative C–H activations can be replaced by sustainable electricity as redox reagents, which further developed oxidative metallaelectro-catalyzed C–H activations with oxidant- economy nature.
Keywords: C-H activation; Electrochemistry; 3d metal
