Linear paired electrolysis enabled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions of indoles and benzofurans with vinyl azides

Abstract

Linear paired electrolysis is an ideal yet relatively rare electrochemical approach that offers significant advantages for constructing fused heterocyclic frameworks. Herein, we report an efficient protocol for dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions of indoles and benzofurans with vinyl azides via linear paired electrolysis under redox-neutral conditions. This method enables the formation of both rare benzofuro[3,2-b]pyrrolines, indolo[3,2-b]pyrrolines and conventional indolo[2,3-b]pyrrolines with excellent regio- and stereo-selectivity. Notably, this electrochemical approach shows good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope, making it valuable for synthetic applications and molecular modification in pharmaceutical research.