Electro-Triggered Cascade Cyclization to Access Phosphinyl-Substituted -Containing Heterocycles.

An electro-triggered cascade cyclization strategy was disclosed with concomitant phosphinylation and -heterocycle construction. It provides a novel and environmentally friendly approach to access phosphinyl-substituted -heterocycles with no external metal catalyst, oxidant, or heating. Mechanistic studies have revealed that anodic oxidation of H-phosphorus compounds occurs first to generate the key P-centered radical directly and cathodic reduction leads to the concurrent release of molecular hydrogen or methane.