Nickelaelectro‐Catalyzed C─H Activation to <i>β</i>‐Arylated Pyrroles <i>via</i> Multiple Dehydrogenation

Abstract

AbstractNickel electrocatalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy for sustainable C─H activation, offering an environmentally benign alternative to traditional methods based on stoichiometric oxidants. We, herein, report a nickela‐electrocatalyzed approach for the expedient synthesis of β‐arylated pyrroles via a unique multiple dehydrogenative C─H activation approach. Hence, direct C─C bond formation between pyrroles and arenes was enabled, obviating the need for prefunctionalized substrates. The reaction proceeded under electrochemical conditions in a user‐friendly undivided cell, utilizing electricity as a traceless oxidant. Mechanistic studies, including cyclic voltammetry, provided support for a nickel(II/III/IV) regime, wherein anodic oxidation facilitates the dehydrogenation and C─H activation paired with the valuable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Our findings highlight the potential of electrocatalysis to unlock distinct reaction manifolds and provides a sustainable platform for accessing complex heteroaryl frameworks.