Electrochemical Oxidative C-H/N-H Coupling between γ-Lactams and Anilines.

A mild method for the direct C-H/N-H coupling between γ-lactams and anilines through electrochemical oxidation has been developed. The protocol proceeded smoothly without metal catalysts at room temperature to afford γ-substituted γ-lactams in good yields. It has been revealed that the quasi-divided cell which provided high current density on the anode was crucial for this reaction.