Electrochemical HI-mediated Intermolecular C–N Bond Formation to Synthesize Imidazoles from Aryl Ketones and Benzylamines

Abstract

An efficient and novel electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization of aryl ketones and benzylamines for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted-(1<i>H</i>)-imidazoles has been developed under metal- and oxidant-free conditions. This direct C-N bond formation strategy, with a broad functional group tolerance, affords the desired imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields.