Metal-free electrochemistry promoted radical cascade cyclization to access CF 3 -containing benzimidazo[2,1- a ]isoquinolin-6(5 H )-ones.

Using CF 3 SO 2 Na as the CF 3 radical source, an eco-friendly approach for electrochemistry-mediated radical cascade cyclization of N -methacryloyl-2-phenylbenzoimidazoles was described. This reaction features mild reaction conditions, readily available substrates, and moderate to good yields through the construction of two C-C bonds in one step.