I did a little sleuthing when I saw this somewhere else. I think The accidentally I think is a bit of a misnomer since this sort of technology is being actively explored. I remember someone earlier found a catalyst that generates acetic acid[1]. Far as I can tell the key difference here is using electricity to push the reaction uphill against the usual thermodynamic preference. And because the process is likely to be extremely selective. You get a pure form of the chemical you want and nothing else. Compared to normal chemical processes which generate a crude mix of chemicals because of the alternative reaction pathways. Sometimes you get just what you want, but often further (expensive) purification steps are needed.<p>[1] Didn't get the same press of course.