Manganese-catalyzed dehydrogenative Csp3–Csp2 coupling of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with methyl ketones

Abstract

A Mn(II)-catalyzed efficient C–H alkylation of imidazoheterocycles with methyl ketones has been developed via dehydrogenative C(sp³)–C(sp²) coupling which can serve as a novel approach toward hydrocarboxylated imidazolopyridines. The merit of this strategy is illustrated by excellent functional group tolerance and the use of cheap and readily available starting materials.