Amidinyl Radical Formation through Anodic N−H Bond Cleavage and Its Application in Aromatic C−H Bond Functionalization

We report herein an atom‐economical and sustainable approach to access amidinyl radical intermediates through the anodic cleavage of N−H bonds. The resulting nitrogen‐centered radicals undergo cyclizations with (hetero)arenes, followed by rearomatization, to afford functionalized tetracyclic benzimidazoles in a highly straightforward and efficient manner. This metal‐ and reagent‐free C−H/N−H cross‐coupling reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope and proceeds with high chemoselectivity. Power trip: A conceptually new method for the generation of amidinyl radicals through the anodic cleavage of N−H bonds was developed and applied to the development of aromatic C−H functionalization reactions to give benzimidazoles and pyridoimidazoles. This metal‐ and reagent‐free transformation exhibits a broad scope and proceeds with high chemoselectivity.