Intermolecular Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation Followed by Intramolecular Cyclization of Electrochemically Generated Magnesium Anthracenes and Esters in the Presence of Chlorotrimethylsilane

Abstract

The electrochemical reduction of anthracenes in the presence of esters and chlorotrimethylsilane in LiClO₄/THF in the undivided cell equipped with magnesium electrodes affords the corresponding cyclized products at low to moderate yields. Herein, the chemical structure of the product is determined by X-ray analysis, as well as ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. The in situ generation of magnesium anthracenes is indicated. The scope and limitations of the current reactions using anthracene and its derivatives with various esters are investigated.