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-alpyridine-arene structure of interest in biological and pharmaceutical materials. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.