Electroreductive N-Debenzylation of Amines and Amide Derivatives in an Undivided Cell

Abstract

Direct electroreductive N-debenzylation of structurally diverse N-benzyl compounds was achieved in an undivided cell using a magnesium anode and carbon-felt cathode. Amines, N-heterocycles, amides, carbamates, ureas, lactams, and cyclic ureas were converted to the corresponding N–H products at room temperature without palladium catalysts or H2. The protocol exhibits broad functional-group tolerance and chemoselectively cleaves benzylic C–N bonds while preserving carbonyl frameworks, enabling late-stage deprotection of densely functionalized bioactive-molecule derivatives.