Cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with isochroman using molecular oxygen as the oxidant

Abstract

A cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with isochroman using molecular oxygen as the oxidant is reported. A broad range of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines reacted smoothly to afford the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. The advantages of this method are: inexpensive catalysts, environmentally benign conditions and operational convenience.