Anodic methoxylation and acetoxylation of imines and imidates

Anodic oxidation of cyclic imidates, 2-aryl-2-oxazolines, in methanol provided the corresponding 4-methoxylated products. Anodic α-methoxylation and α-acetoxylation of open-chain imines derived from glycine esters and benzophenone were also achieved using a bromide ion mediator. On the other hand, anodic α-acetoxylation of CF3-containing imine and imidate was successful without use of the bromine mediator. This is the first example of successful anodic α-substitution of imines and imidates.