pH-Controlled electrochemical hydroxylation of acetanilide into value-added active pharmaceutical ingredients: A dual pathway synthesis of paracetamol and hydroquinone

Abstract

A novel pH-controlled electrochemical method has been developed for the selective conversion of acetanilide into two value-added products, i.e., paracetamol and hydroquinone, via dual and tunable reaction pathways. It is shown that by adjusting the pH, and varying the electrolyte and the reaction environment specific oxidative transformations could be favored, allowing fine control over product selectivity and yield. This entire process is carried out under mild ambient conditions, eliminating the need for hazardous oxidants, specialized catalysts, or high temperatures, thereby supporting green chemistry principles. The electrochemical process also demonstrated excellent functional group tolerance, high atom economy, and minimal waste generation, highlighting its environmental and economic benefits. Its operational simplicity and scalability make it an attractive alternative to traditional multi-step methods for producing key intermediates used in drug manufacturing, fine chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the polymer industry. This work showcases the potential of strategic electrochemical pH modulation as a powerful tool for sustainable chemical synthesis utilizing electrochemical organic transformations.

Graphical abstract

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