Functionalization of N-arylglycine esters: electrocatalytic access to C-C bonds mediated by n-Bu4NI.

An efficient electrocatalytic functionalization of N-arylglycine esters is reported. The protocol proceeds in an undivided cell under constant current conditions employing the simple, cheap and readily available n-Bu4NI as the mediator. In addition, it is demonstrated that the mediated process is superior to the direct electrochemical functionalization.