Electrochemical multicomponent [2+2+1] cascade cyclization of enaminones and primary amines towards the synthesis of 4-acylimidazoles

An electrochemical multicomponent [2+2+1] cascade cyclization of enaminones and primary amines towards the synthesis of 4-acylimidazoles has been developed. In an undivided cell, enaminones and primary amines can smoothly participate in this reaction to provide a series of 1,2-disubstituted 4-acylimidazoles at room temperature. The reaction avoids the use of both transition-metal catalysts and oxidation reagents, which makes it more sustainable and renewable.