Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
![Cercosporin-Photocatalyzed [4+1]- and [4+2]-Annulations of Azoalkenes Under Mild Conditions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60786.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Cercosporin-Photocatalyzed [4+1]- and [4+2]-Annulations of Azoalkenes Under Mild Conditions
Published on: July 17, 2020
Regiodivergent Electrochemical C-H Aminomethylation of Azaarenes
Yan He1, Qi Wang1, Feiyang Xue1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Environmental Functional Materials and Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan453007, China.
Abstract:
Regioselective C-H functionalization reactions offer a direct and efficient approach to rapidly increase molecular complexity. While several methods enable access to specific regioisomers, achieving regiodivergent C-H functionalization of azaarenes remains a significant challenge. In this work, we present a regiodivergent electrochemical C-H functionalization strategy that allows selective aminomethylation at the C4 or C3 positions of azaarenes by simply varying the solution conditions. The reactions proceed through paired electrolysis, where the anode and cathode cooperate to achieve the desired C-H aminomethylation. Notably, this method utilizes stable, easily handled amides as the aminomethylation agents, eliminating the need for highly electrophilic reagents. These proof-of-concept examples open up exciting opportunities for the regiodivergent C-H functionalization of azaarenes.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation of 1° Amines: Azide Synthesis
Azide ions act as good nucleophiles and react with unhindered alkyl halides to form alkyl azides. Alkyl azides do not participate in further nucleophilic substitution reactions, thereby eliminating the chances of polyalkylated products. Alkyl azides are reduced by hydride-based reducing agents, like lithium aluminum...
Aryldiazonium Salts to Azo Dyes: Diazo Coupling
Preparation of 1° Amines: Hofmann and Curtius Rearrangement Overview
Diazonium Group Substitution with Halogens and Cyanide: Sandmeyer and Schiemann Reactions
Diazonium Group Substitution: –OH and –H
Basicity of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines

