Mn-Catalyzed Electrochemical Radical Cascade Cyclization toward the Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-one Derivatives

Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-one derivatives are prevalent in many synthetic intermediates, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials. Herein, we develop a Mn-catalyzed electrochemical radical cascade cyclization reaction that uses electricity as the primary energy input to promote the reaction, leading to a series of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-one derivatives under exogenous-oxidant-free conditions. It is worth noting that this electrochemical method can not only realize the synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-one derivatives but also provides a new strategy for generating alkyl radicals from alkylboronic acids.