Direct electrochemical α-cyanation of N-protected cyclic amines

α-Cyanation of N-protected cyclic amines was achieved using a direct electrochemical method. Unsubstituted N-protected cyclic amines were easily cyanated at the α-position using an undivided cell in high yields; moreover, α-cyanation of α′-substituted pyrrolidine and α′-,β′- or γ-substituted piperidines smoothly proceeded in high yield and with high to excellent diastereoselectivity. α-Substituted N-cyano-pyrrolidines and -piperidines were also cyanated at the more substituted position (the α-position) using a divided cell with high yield and high regioselectivity.