Synthesis of 3-fluoroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and 5-fluoroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazoles via heterocyclization of (N-heteroarylimino)trifluoropyruvates

Synthesis of 3-fluoroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and 5-fluoroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazoles was accomplished via triethyl phosphite-induced heterocyclization of the corresponding N-(heteroarylimino)trifluoropyruvates. This method provides a convenient approach to synthesize ring-fluorinated fused imidazoles of biological relevance.