Ruthenium-Catalyzed Electrochemical Dehydrogenative Alkyne Annulation

Abstract

A ruthenium-catalyzed electrochemical dehydrogenative annulation reaction of aniline derivatives and alkynes has been developed for the synthesis of indoles. Electric current is used to recycle the active ruthenium-based catalyst and promote H2 evolution. The electrolysis reaction is operationally convenient as it employs a simple undivided cell, proceeds efficiently in an aqueous solution, and is insensitive to air.