Metal-free, base catalyzed oxidative amination and denitration reaction: Regioselective synthesis of 3-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A metal-free, regioselective strategy for the synthesis of 3-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from beta-nitrostyrenes and 2-aminopyridines using triethylamine as the catalyst and H2O2 (30% aq.) as the oxidant is reported. The use of an inexpensive base and facile reaction conditions make this strategy a practical alternative for the synthesis of 3-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.