Asymmetric electrocarboxylation of 4′-methylacetophenone over PrCoO₃ perovskites

PrCoO₃ perovskites were synthesized by a traditional method followed by calcining at 500-900 °C, and were fully characterized using various scientific instruments. They were proposed as cathodes for the asymmetric electrocarboxylation of aromatic ketones with the help of the chiral auxiliary t-Bu(R,R)salen(Co[ii]). A considerable yield (54%) and high enantiomeric excess (95% ee) of hydroxy acid were obtained. The good electrocatalytic performances were attributed to the contents of oxygen vacancies and Co³⁺ active species of the PrCoO₃ perovskites, which were affected by different calcination temperatures. Furthermore, PrCoO₃ demonstrated high stability and reusability.