Straightforward Bienaymé and copper catalyzed N-arylation sequence to access diverse 5H-pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-b]indoles and analogues

A two-step sequence is reported giving access to diverse 5H-pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-b]indoles and analogues via a Bienaymé multicomponent reaction followed by N-arylation. The desired polycylic scaffolds were obtained in high yield using copper iodide in association with TMEDA in aqueous or dioxane media.