Cathodic reduction of N-(2-iodophenyl)-N-alkylcinnamides: a novel sequential electrochemical radical cyclisation and hydroxylation

Abstract

In recent years, intramolecular aryl radical cyclisation has emerged as a useful route for the synthesis of benzannulated heterocycles and carbocycles. The aryl radicals are generated in situ from aryl halides (iodides or bromides) with tributylstannyl hydride–AIBN, SmI2, Co(I) or under photochemical conditions. The present work envisages the generation of aryl radicals by cathodic reduction of the carbon–iodine bond of N-(2-iodophenyl)-N-alkylcinnamides and their intramolecular cyclisation. The cathodic reduction of N-(2-iodophenyl)-N-alkylcinnamides under deaerated conditions in DMF gave 1-alkyl-3-benzylindolin-2-ones regioselectively and in the presence of oxygen yielded surprisingly 1-alkyl-3-hydroxy-3-benzylindolin-2-ones. Both these products were formed by a 5-exo-trig process in good yields. A mechanism for the formation of the products has been proposed through the use of cyclic voltammetry, coulometry and controlled-potential electrolysis as well as deuterium labelling.