Tandem Strecker/C(sp3)–H amination reactions for the construction of cyanide-functionalized imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines with NH4SCN as a cyanating agent

Abstract

An I₂O₅ promoted tandem Strecker/C(sp³)–H amination reaction of pyridine-2-carboxaldehydes, benzylamines and NH₄SCN has been reported. This multicomponent reaction that allows the single-step construction of biologically important cyano-functionalized imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines with molecular diversity was realized for the first time. Moreover, the use of safe and easy-to-handle NH₄SCN as a surrogate cyanating agent makes this protocol appealing for potential applications.