Synthesis of Novel Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-amines from Arylamines and Nitriles via Sequential Addition and I2/KI-Mediated Oxidative Cyclization

A novel and practical strategy for the construction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-amine frameworks has been developed. The present sequential approach involves addition of arylamines to nitriles and I-2/KI-mediated oxidative C-N bond formation without purification of the intermediate amidines. This operationally simple synthetic process provides a facile access to a variety of new 2-amino substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and related heterocyclic compounds in an efficient and scalable fashion.