An electrochemical tandem Michael addition, azidation and intramolecular cyclization strategy for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives

An electrochemical-oxidation-induced intramolecular annulation used for the synthesis of imidazole was developed under undivided electrolytic conditions. In an undivided cell, amines, alkynes and azides could smoothly participate in the transformation to furnish a variety of substituted imidazoles through the tandem Michael addition/azide/cycloamine reaction. The reaction could be easily handled and avoided the use of both transition metal catalysts and peroxide reagents, which is in line with the concept of green chemistry.