Electrochemically Driven Carbon–Nitrogen Bond Formation of the Lactams

This electrochemical protocol provides a versatile platform for the synthesis of anabolic β- and γ-lactams under mild, metal-free conditions. It is evident that due to their structural diversity, these lactam motifs are indispensable building blocks in organic synthesis and materials science. The method aligns with green chemistry principles by employing electrons from an electric current as a traceless reductant and utilizing cost-effective graphite electrodes, thereby demonstrating excellent scalability. In contradistinction to conventional noble-metal-catalyzed methodologies, this strategy proffers a more sustainable alternative while concomitantly expanding the scope of accessible lactam derivatives. The synthetic utility of this transformation is further underscored by its successful application in the total synthesis of complex molecules, namely (+)-incargranine A and a 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, highlighting the potential of electrosynthesis in constructing intricate molecular architectures sustainably.