Electrochemical Oxidative Halogenation of N-Aryl Alkynamides for the Synthesis of Spiro[4.5]trienones

We developed a green method for the synthesis of spiro[4.5]trienones through an electrochemical oxidative halocyclization with N-aryl alkynamides. This reaction was conducted under metal-catalyst- and exogenous-oxidant-free conditions at room temperature. Using readily available LiCl, LiBr, and LiI as the halogen source, a variety of dearomative halo-spirocyclization products were obtained in good to excellent yields with a broad scope and functional group tolerance.