Aryl halides as convenient precursors of electrogenerated bases. Efficient syntheses of β-oxo nitriles or esters by coupling active-hydrogen groups with esters
alternative to classical cyanomethylation is possible by using electrogenerated bases (EGBs), obtained by electroreduction of aryl halides in an undivided cell fitted with a cadmium coated cathode and a sacrificial magnesium anode. Acetonitrile is used both as solvent and as hydrogen-active compound. A coupling reaction with various electrophilic compounds was carried out. When the electrophilic compound