Electro-Oxidative Synthesis of Phenazines

Abstract

We disclose herein electro-oxidative synthesis as the general protocol for procuring phenazines under mild reaction conditions. Using aerial oxygen as an oxidant, inexpensive electrolyte, and electrodes, a diverse range of phenazines have been accessed in good yields via the ring contraction of 10,11-dihydro-5<i>H</i>-dibenzo[<i>b,e</i>][1,4]diazepines. In addition, the syntheses of phenazines and diamino phenazines via direct electro-oxidation of dihydrophenazines and electro-dimerization of <i>o</i>-phenylenediamines, respectively, have also been accomplished.