Entry to 2-aminoprolines via electrochemical decarboxylative amidation of <i>N</i> ‑acetylamino malonic acid monoesters

The electrochemical synthesis of 2-aminoprolines based on anodic decarboxylation-intramolecular amidation of readily available <i>N</i>-acetylamino malonic acid monoesters is reported. The decarboxylative amidation under Hofer-Moest reaction conditions proceeds in an undivided cell under constant current conditions in aqueous acetonitrile and provides access to <i>N</i>-sulfonyl, <i>N</i>-benzoyl, and <i>N</i>-Boc-protected 2-aminoproline derivatives.