General electrochemical Minisci alkylation of N-heteroarenes with alkyl halides

Herein, we report, a general, facile and environmentally friendly Minisci-type alkylation of N-heteroarenes under simple and straightforward electrochemical conditions using widely available alkyl halides as radical precursors. Primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals have been shown to be efficiently generated and coupled with a large variety of N-heteroarenes. The method presents a very high functional group tolerance, including various heterocyclic-based natural products, which highlights the robustness of the methodology. This applicability has been further proved in the synthesis of various interesting biologically valuable building blocks. In addition, we have proposed a mechanism based on different proofs and pieces of electrochemical evidence.

Automated summary

We report a general, facile, and environmentally friendly electrochemical method for the Minisci-type alkylation of N-heteroarenes using widely available alkyl halides as radical precursors. The method efficiently generates primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl radicals, which can be coupled with a variety of N-heteroarenes. The method demonstrates high functional group tolerance and has been applied in the synthesis of biologically valuable building blocks.