ABSTRACT
Electrochemical reduction of halogenated organic compounds continues to be a subject of intense investigation. This interest stems from desires (a) to characterize and understand the processes involved in the reductive cleavage of carbon-halogen bonds and (b) to utilize the electrolysis of halogenated organic compounds for practical syntheses. In previous editions of this volume [ 1-3] and in several reviews [4-7], a considerable body of knowledge has appeared concerning mechanistic and synthetic aspects of the reduction of carbon-halogen bonds. In the present chapter, there is a focus both on traditional material and on newer developments (especially those bearing on electrosynthesis) that involve direct reduction as well as indirect (catalytic or mediated) reduction of halogenated organic compounds.
