Electrochemical oxidative amidation of alcohols towards N-acyl azoles as precursors for amides, esters and thioesters.

In the presence of azoles, the selective electrochemical oxidation of alcohols using 4-acetamido-TEMPO (ACT) as a mediator produces N-acyl azoles in good yields. These N-acyl azoles can undergo further transformation to amides, esters, and thioesters. The electrochemistry minimizes mediator use, and as the supporting electrolyte can be largely recovered and reused, it offers a clear sustainability advantage.