Electrochemistry-enabled Ir-catalyzed C–H/N–N bond activation facilitates [3+2] annulation of phenidones with propiolates

Abstract

A mild and efficient [3+2] annulation of phenidones with propiolates has been developed to access N-substituted indole alkylamides, enabled by merging electrochemistry with iridium catalysis using an undivided cell at room temperature. The mechanistic studies have confirmed that the electrochemically mediated catalytic cycle of Ir^I–Ir^III–Ir^V exhibits enhanced efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and unconventional selectivity.