General and versatile electrochemical α-C(sp³)–H amidation for <i>N</i>-Mannich base synthesis

A green and versatile electrochemical method for the synthesis of <i>N</i>-Mannich bases through oxidative dehydrogenative cross-coupling is reported. A wide range of primary amides, lactams and phthalimides serve as effective amidation reagents, enabling the α-functionalization of both aromatic and aliphatic tertiary amines with excellent regioselectivity and high efficiency under mild, metal-/oxidant-free conditions. This sustainable approach is characterized by its operational-simplicity, broad substrate compatibility, and exceptional functional group tolerance. The practicality and utility of the method are demonstrated by its easy scalability and late-stage modification of structural complex molecules.