Scandium-Catalyzed Electrochemical Synthesis of α-Pyridinyl Tertiary Amino Acids and Esters

alpha-Pyridyl tertiary amino acids have potential pharmaceutical applications because of their structural features. However, their synthesis is still highly limited. Herein, we report a straightforward approach for the electrochemical synthesis of tertiary alpha-substituted amino acid derivatives via three-component reductive coupling. Using gaseous ammonia as both the N and H source, the alpha-keto ester reacts directly with 4-CN-pyridine. The application of scandium catalysis is the key for achieving chemoselectivity among various side reaction pathways.

Automated summary

This paper reports a direct approach for the electrochemical synthesis of tertiary alpha-substituted amino acid derivatives via three-component reductive coupling. Gaseous ammonia is used as both the N and H source, and scandium catalysis is crucial for achieving chemoselectivity among various side reaction pathways.