Linear paired electrolysis enables redox-neutral benzylation of N-heteroarenes with benzyl halides using ion resin as the recyclable electrolyte
Yan-Cui Wen, Jia-Cheng Hou, Qian Zhou, Shenghua Wang, Jun Jiang, Zi Yang, Hai‐Tao Zhu, Zu‐Li Wang, Wei‐Min He
Abstract
Herein, we have developed a sustainable linear paired electrolysis strategy for the redox-neutral benzylation of N -heteroarenes with benzyl halides using solid ion resin as the recyclable electrolyte. This method sufficiently utilizes both cathodic and anodic reactions to produce a variety of benzylated N -heteroarenes, features high atom- and step-economy, excellent energy efficiency, operational simplicity, good functional group tolerance, mild conditions and no requirement of sacrifice reagent and base additive. Importantly, the inexpensive and commercially available solid ion resin electrolyte was validated in both gram-scale synthesis and electrolyte cycling experiment. We hope this strategy not only provides a sustainable synthetic strategy for benzylated compounds but also develops the further utilization of ion resin in electrosynthesis as well as linear paired electrolysis.