Electroreductive acylation of 3-aryl substituted α,β-unsaturated esters and nitriles in the presence of aliphatic carboxylic anhydrides using areactive metal anode (Mg, Al, Zn) in an undivided cell afforded the corresponding β-acyl compounds in moderate to good yields. It was found that anionic species formed by electron transfer from a cathode may be stabilized by metal ions freshly formed from an
[reaction: see text]. Treatment of aromaticalpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with Mg turnings in the presence of acid anhydrides/TMSCl or acyl chlorides in DMF brought about a facile and efficient cross-coupling to give C-acylation products, which are useful 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds, in good to excellent yields in a regio- and stereoselective manner. The reaction may be initiated by electron