Cobaltaelectro-catalyzed C–H activation for resource-economical molecular syntheses

The direct cleavage of otherwise inert C–H bonds has emerged as a sustainable approach for organic synthesis; in contrast to other approaches, these reactions result in the formation of fewer undesired by-products and do not require pre-functionalization steps. In recent years, oxidative C–H/N–H alkyne annulations and C–H oxygenations were realized by 3d metals. Unfortunately, most of these reactions require stoichiometric amounts of often toxic chemical oxidants. This protocol provides a general method for cobaltaelectro-catalyzed C–H activations of benzamides. Here, anodic oxidation obviates the need for a chemical oxidant and uses 10–20% of a more environmentally benign, inexpensive catalyst. We outline a detailed and precise description of the designed electrolytic cell for metallaelectrocatalysis, including readily available electrode materials and electrode holders. The custom-made device is further compared with the commercially available and standardized ElectraSyn 2.0 electrochemistry kit. As example applications of this approach, we describe cobaltaelectro-catalyzed C–H activation protocols for the direct C–H oxygenation of benzamides and resource-economical synthesis of isoquinolones. The cobaltaelectrocatalysis setup and reaction take about 17 h, while an additional 5 h have to be anticipated for workup and chromatographic purification. The methods described herein feature broad functional group tolerance, operational simplicity, low waste-product formation and an overall exceptional level of resource economy.