Electrochemical dual oxidative C(sp³)-H amination: switchable synthesis of imidazo-fused quinazolinones

An efficient electrochemical dual C(sp(3))-H amination was developed under metal-free and chemical oxidant-free conditions. A series of imidazo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-ones and 5-oxo-4,5-dihydroimidazo[1,5-a]quinazoline-3-carbonitriles can be obtained in high yields and the product distribution can be modulated by virtue of this method. The reaction mechanism was investigated and the corresponding intermediates were studied. The reaction features a broad substrate scope, regulation of the product distribution, mild conditions and scalable preparation.