One-Step Synthesis of Zolpidem and Its Analogues via Visible Light Induced Coupling of Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines with 2-Bromoacetamides

Abstract

A novel and efficient strategy for synthesizing drug Zolpidem and its analogues via the coupling of imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines with 2-bromoacetamides under blue LED irradiation has been developed. Starting from two commercially available intermediates, Zolpidem can be synthesized in just one single step. Additionally, the reaction is carried out at 25 °C without the need for any transition metal catalyst or photocatalyst and is very simple to run. Compared with conventional Zolpidem synthesis, this new method features high efficiency, operation simplicity as well as excellent atom and step economy. These notable features make this protocol highly attractive for possible industrial application.