Electrochemical HI-mediated Intermolecular C-N Bond Formation to Synthesize Imidazoles from Aryl Ketones and Benzylamines

An efficient and novel electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization of aryl ketones and benzylamines for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles has been developed under metal- and oxidant-free conditions. This direct C-N bond formation strategy, with a broad functional group tolerance, affords the desired imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields.