Pd-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with arenes

A facile method for direct Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of unactivated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with simple arenes has been developed. The reaction shows good reaction efficiency, high regioselectivity, and good functional-group compatibility. This approach provides a useful protocol for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-arene structure of interest in biological and pharmaceutical materials.

Graphical abstractA novel Pd-catalyzed C(sp2)-H/C(sp2)-H cross-coupling of unactivated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with simple arenes utilizing a combination of Ag(I) and O2 as oxidants exclusively yields C-3 arylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.Download full-size image