Paired electrolysis enabled annulation for the quinolyl-modification of bioactive molecules

A paired electrolysis enabled cascade annulation that enables the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoline-substituted bioactive molecules from readily available starting materials is reported. Using this methodology, two goals, namely, the direct synthesis of quinolines and the introduction of quinoline moieties to bioactive molecules, can be simultaneously achieved in one simple operation. The use of electroreduction for the activation of isatin, together with the further anodic oxidation of KI to catalytically result in a cascade annulation, highlight the unique possibilities associated with electrochemical activation methods. This transformation can tolerate a wide range of functional groups and can also be used as a functionalization tactic in pharmaceutical research as well as other areas.

Automated summary

This study reports a paired electrolysis-enabled cascade annulation for the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoline-substituted bioactive molecules. By using this method, two goals, direct synthesis of quinolines and introduction of quinoline moieties to bioactive molecules, can be achieved simultaneously in a single operation. The unique possibilities of electrochemical activation methods are highlighted through the use of electroreduction for the activation of isatin and further anodic oxidation of KI to catalytically result in a cascade annulation. This transformation can tolerate a wide range of functional groups and can be used as a functionalization tactic in pharmaceutical research as well as other areas.