Electrochemical Oxidative Coupling Between Benzylic C(sp3)–H and N–H of Secondary Amines: Rapid Synthesis of α-Amino α-Aryl Esters

Abstract

An intermolecular electrochemical coupling between the benzylic C(sp3)–H bond and various secondary amines is reported. The electronic behavior of two electronically rich units viz the α-position of α-aryl acetates and amines was engineered electrochemically, thus facilitating their reactivity for the direct access of α-amino esters. A series of acyclic/cyclic secondary amines and α-aryl acetates were tested to furnish the corresponding α-amino esters with high yields (up to 92%) under mild conditions.