Electrochemical Benzylic C(sp (3) )-H Amidation via Ritter-Type Reaction in the Absence of External Mediator and Oxidant

A straightforward method involving electrochemical Ritter type amidation of alkylarenes in the absence of external mediator and oxidant is described. This direct benzylic C(sp(3))-H amidation utilizes cheap CH3CN or other nitriles as the nitrogen source and trace amount of H2O in the solvent as the oxygen and hydrogen source. A wide range of alkylarenes were found to be compatible, providing a variety of N- benzyl-substituted amides in moderate to good yields.