Electrochemical synthesis of amides: direct transformation of methyl ketones with formamides

A direct transformation from methyl ketones to secondary or tertiary amides has been developed through a novel electrochemical approach and a wide scope of formamides could be utilized as the amide sources. This transformation was promoted by in situ generated iodine through electrolysis of sodium iodide under mild, metal-free conditions. This electrochemical procedure could avoid the use of stoichiometric iodine and afforded the target products in good to excellent yields.