The triple bond in N_(2)has an extremely high bond energy and is thus difficult to break.N_(2)is commonly converted into NH3 artificially via the Haber-Bosch process,and NH_(3)can be utilized to produce other nitrogen-containing chemicals.Here,we developed an electron catalyzed method to directly fix N_(2)into azos,by pushing and pulling the electron into and from the aromatic halide with the cyclic voltammetry method.The round-trip journey of electron can successfully weaken the triple bond in N_(2)through the electron pushing-induced aryl radical via a“brick trowel”transition state,and then produce the diazonium ions by pulling the electron out from the diazo radical intermediate.Different azos can be synthesized with this developed electron catalyzed approach.This approach provides a novel concept and practical route for the fixation of N_(2)at atmospheric pressure into chemical products valuable for industrial and commercial applications.
