Electrogenerated base-induced N-acylation of chiral oxazolidin-2-ones.2

An improved and efficient electrochem. N-acylation of chiral oxazolidin-2-ones has been achieved. The generation of the nitrogen anion is obtained under mild conditions and without addn. of base or probase, by direct electrolysis of a soln. of MeCN-TEAP contg. the oxazolidinone. Acylation agents (acid chlorides or anhydrides) were added at the end of the electrolysis. N-Acylated products, e.g., I, were isolated in high to excellent yields.