A Green C-C Bond Formation Reaction between N,N′-Diphenylbenzene-1,4-diamine and Michael Donors: A Convergent Paired Strategy

An electrochemical C-C bond formation between N,N'-diphenylbenzene-1,4-diamine and CH-acid nucleophiles is described. Our data show that electrochemically generated N,N'-Diphenyl-p-quinonediimine participates in Michael addition reactions with nucleophiles and via an EC mechanism converts to the products. The paired electrochemical C-C bond formation has been successfully performed in a one-pot process at a carbon electrode as the working and stainless steel as a counter electrode in an undivided cell. This method provides a green protocol over the existing methods. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.