Electrochemical synthesis of cyanated imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines

Abstract

An electrochemical cyanation reaction was developed in the presence of iodine under metal-free and chemical-oxidant-free conditions. Using this synthetic method, a class of cyano-functionalized imidazopyridine N-heterocycles was prepared smoothly in high yields. The reaction features mild conditions and a broad substrate scope.