Regioselective C–H alkenylation of imidazoles and its application to the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted benzimidazoles

A palladium-catalyzed C–H alkenylation of imidazoles has been developed. High C5 selectivity was achieved for C2-unsubstituted and C2-substituted imidazoles using oxygen and copper(II) acetate, respectively, as oxidants. The obtained products were applied to benzannulation through a sequence involving transposition of N-alkyl groups to give C4-alkenyl imidazoles, alkenylation, thermal 6π-electrocyclization, and oxidation, affording unsymmetrically substituted benzimidazoles.