Metal-free electrochemical decarboxylative cyclization of N-aryl glycines with azobenzenes

Abstract

A novel and sustainable metal-free electrochemical strategy has been developed for the decarboxylative cyclization of N-aryl glycines with azobenzenes under an air atmosphere at room temperature using a simple undivided cell. The protocol enables efficient preparation of 1,2,4-triazolidine derivatives in yields of 56 to 91% (36 examples), demonstrating broad substrate applicability and excellent functional group tolerance under mild conditions. This work expands electrochemical decarboxylative heterocycle synthesis, offering a green route to valuable 1,2,4-triazolidine scaffolds for medicinal and organic chemistry.