Rapid synthesis of spirodienones via electrochemical dearomative spirocyclization in flow

Abstract

The preparation of biologically relevant spirodienones from arenol derivatives is typically performed in batch using superstoichiometric oxidants. Herein, we have developed an electrochemical dearomative spirocyclization in flow, featuring the use of electrons as the clean oxidant in a minimum amount of electrolytes or even the absence of electrolytes to afford diverse spirodienones in a short reaction time.