Electrocatalytic Three-Component Reaction: Synthesis of Cyanide-Functionalization Imidazo-Fused N-Heterocycles

An electrochemical three-component cyclization was developed under metal-free conditions, which provides a novel and facile approach for the construction of cyanide-functionalization imidazo-fused N-heterocycles. A variety of cyanide-functionalization imidazo-fused N-hetero-cycles can be obtained from easily available methyl N-heteroaromatics, primary alkylamines, and trimethylsilyl cyanide with good to excellent yields. The reaction features a broad scope of substrates, scalability, and mild conditions.