Electrochemical difunctionalization of alkenes via chemoselective oxo-amination to access α-sulfonylamino ketones

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The oxo-amination of alkenes represents a straightforward route to prepare α-amino ketones, which are valuable scaffolds for organic synthesis. The development of a practical method for this transformation is therefore actively being pursued. Herein, we report an electro-oxidative oxo-amination of alkenes that employs readily available O2 as a green oxygen source, eliminating the need for an external oxidant. This strategy features a simple setup, broad substrate scope, mild conditions, and high atom economy, enabling the conversion of amines into diversely functionalized α-sulfonylamino ketones. Furthermore, the method was applied to the synthesis of the natural product halostachine. Mechanistic studies suggest a pathway initiated by the electrochemical generation of nitrogen-centred radicals, which subsequently add to alkenes.