Cathodic Alkylation of Methyl Phenylacetate and its η6-Tricarbonylchromium Complex

Electrolysis of methyl phenylacetate or its η⁶-tricarbonylchromium complex, in MeCN on a Pt cathode in the presence of alkyl bromides, results in mono- and/or di-alkylated products, the yield depending on the nature of the initial reagents. When (methyl phenylacetate)tricarbonylchromium is used decomplexation might also take place as a side reaction