Annulation of α-bromocinnamaldehydes to access 3-formyl-imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines and pyrimidines under transition metal-free conditions

An environmentally friendly and transition metal-free method for the annulation of alpha-bromocinnamaldehydes was established. 3-Formyl-imidazo[1,2-alpha]pyridines and pyrimidines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. This approach features easily available starting materials, transition metal-free conditions, good functional group tolerance and operational simplicity.

Automated summary

An environmentally friendly and transition metal-free method for the annulation of alpha-bromocinnamaldehydes was developed, resulting in the synthesis of 3-formyl-imidazo[1,2-alpha]pyridines and pyrimidines with moderate to excellent yields. This method is characterized by the use of readily available starting materials, transition metal-free conditions, good functional group tolerance, and operational simplicity.