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

Chem Commun (Camb). 2025 Jan 10. doi: 10.1039/d4cc03124e. Online ahead of print.

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 IrI-IrIII-IrV exhibits enhanced efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and unconventional selectivity.