Electrochemical C-H Oxidation/Conjugate Addition/Cyclization Sequences of 2-Alkyl Phenols: One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Amino-4H-chromenes

Electrochemical C-H oxidation/conjugate addition/cyclization sequences of 2-alkyl phenols with malononitrile are described. This transformation is an environmentally friendly approach by successfully avoiding the use of stoichiometric amounts of external redox reagents. Various 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives are afforded in moderate to high yields through a one-pot process from 2-benzyl or 2-cinnamyl phenol derivatives under mild reaction conditions.

Automated summary

This study describes an electrochemical C-H oxidation/conjugate addition/cyclization reaction that enables the reaction between 2-alkyl phenols and malononitrile under mild reaction conditions, resulting in the synthesis of various 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives in high yields. This method offers an environmentally friendly approach by eliminating the use of stoichiometric amounts of external redox reagents.