Transition Copper‐Modified Iron Foam Electrode as a Green and New Method for Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction for the Synthesis of Benzyl 3‐Phenylpropiolate Derivatives Under Electro‐Oxidation Reaction Conditions Using NaCl

ABSTRACT This research explores the application of electrocatalytic oxidation in the reduction of CO 2 for the synthesis of benzyl 3‐phenylpropiolate derivatives, involving phenylacetylene 1(a–e) , carbon dioxide 2a , and benzyl chloride 3(a–j) under electro‐oxidation reaction conditions with sodium chloride (NaCl), utilizing highly efficient catalysts, specifically graphite rod and Cu‐modified Fe foam. NaCl serves as an inexpensive and readily available reagent in the roles of electrolyte, cocatalyst, and activator for copper metal. Phenylpropiolate derivatives are crucial in generating a wide range of products in agricultural chemicals, versatile industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. The utilization of electrocatalysis represents an environmentally sustainable and eco‐friendly alternative to conventional methods, highlighting its potential impact on organic synthesis. The noteworthy efficiency exhibited by the graphite rod and Cu‐modified Fe foam catalysts emphasizes their crucial role in advancing the field of organic chemistry. This study not only offers a promising path towards the creation of efficient and environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing benzyl 3‐phenylpropiolate derivatives 5(a–j) using isopropyl alcohol (iPrOH) as a solvent, with a reaction time of 30 min, a counter current of 20 mA, all conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, yielding high percentages (91%–95%), but also details the fabrication and confirmation of Cu‐modified Fe foam electrodes through SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, and CV analysis. Subsequent characterization of the synthesized derivatives involved CHN analysis, 1 H NMR, and melting point determination.