Electrochemically driven strategies: Recent developments in chalcogenation (S/Se/Te) of organic molecules

Organochalcogen-containing (e.g., sulfur, selenium, and tellurium) molecules are indispensable in pharmaceuticals, natural products, agrochemicals, and materials science. Chalcogen-containing compounds exhibit unique activity, reactivity, and tunable properties, from the bioactive cores of pharmaceuticals to the functional backbones of catalysts and semiconductors. Yet, their synthesis has long relied on methods that often require stoichiometric oxidants, hazardous reagents, or transition metals, limiting sustainability and functional group tolerance. Electrochemical synthesis has emerged as a promising green alternative, utilizing electrons as traceless redox agents to facilitate the selective formation of C–X (X = S, Se, and Te) bonds under mild and sustainable conditions. In recent years, this approach has experienced remarkable growth, showcasing diverse strategies, including direct C–H functionalization, annulation/cascade cyclization, multicomponent reactions, and difunctionalization, with a broad substrate scope, exceptional selectivity, and compatibility for the late-stage functionalization of organic molecules. This review encompasses recent developments (March 2024–July 2025) in electrochemical chalcogenation, detailing reaction designs, mechanistic insights, and sustainability considerations, and outlines future opportunities for expanding the scope and industrial applicability of this electrochemical tool. We hope this review will serve as a base for future advancements in electrochemical chalcogenation strategies.