Copper( II)-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling between Chalcone and 2-Aminopyridine via C HAmination:AnExpedientSynthesis of 3-AroylimidazoACHTUNGTRENUNG[ 1,2-a] pyridines

A simple and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 3-aroylimidazopyridines via copper(II) acetate-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amination. A library of 3-aroylimidazopyridines was synthesized from readily accessible chalcones and 2-aminopyridines with high yields and regioselectivity. The reaction proceeds through a tandem Michael addition followed by an intramolecular oxidative amination. The successful application of this methodology for a gram-scale reaction indicates its potential for bulk synthesis.