Electrochemical Oxidative C–H Thiocyanation or Selenocyanation of Imidazopyridines and Arenes

Regioselective electrochemical oxidative C–H thiocyanation or selenocyanation of imidazopyridines was achieved using an undivided electrolytic cell. Transition metal- and oxidant-free conditions were the striking features of this protocol. A library of thiocyanated imidazopyridines with broad functional groups had been synthesized in high yields. This methodology was also applicable for the thiocyanation or selenocyanation of some electron-rich arenes.