Gold-Catalyzed Redox Synthesis of ImidazoACHTUNGTRENUNG[ 1,2-a] pyridines using Pyridine N- Oxide and Alkynes

A mild, catalytic, atom economical synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines has been developed: catalytic dichloro(2-pyridinecarboxylato)gold [PicAuCl(2)] in the presence of an acid produces a range of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines in good yields starting from alkynes and 2-aminopyridine N-oxides. This strategy is mild and foreseen to be of particular use for the installation of stereogenic centers adjacent to the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring without loss of enantiomeric excess.