Cathodic C–H electro-activation in ionic liquid: An improved electrochemical method for the conjugate addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

The constant current electrolysis of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate (EMIMEtSO4) ionic liquid provided the direct deprotonation of the methylene active functionality to the cathode: the corresponding enolates efficiently underwent to the one-pot Michael addition with activated olefins.