Electrochemical-Oxidation-Induced Site-Selective Intramolecular C(sp(3))-H Amination

The cross-coupling of C(sp(3))-H and N-H represents one of the most straightforward approaches to construct saturated nitrogen-containing compounds. The additional oxidants or halogenated reagents are generally required in such processes. Herein, we developed an electrochemical oxidative intramolecular C(sp(3))-H amination of amides by employing a carbon rod anode and a platinum plate cathode in an undivided cell under constant-current electrolysis conditions. Tetrabutylammonium acetate was not only employed as an electrolyte, but also can form the intermolecular hydrogen bond with amide and promote cleavage of the N-H bond. The additional oxidants and N-halogenation step can be obviated in this methodology. A variety of benzylic and nonactivated tertiary, secondary, primary C(sp(3))-H amination can be achieved with good yields.