Iron(III)‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction between Nitroolefins and 2‐Aminopyridines: Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐<i>a</i>]pyridines and Easy Access towards Zolimidine

Abstract

Abstract The iron(III)‐catalyzed one‐pot cascade reaction between nitroolefins and 2‐aminopyridines has been demonstrated for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐ a ]pyridines by exploiting the bielectrophilic nature of nitroolefins. This methodology could be successfully applicable for the synthesis of zolimidine, a useful drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer. The reaction proceeds through Michael addition followed by intramolecular cyclization and in situ denitration.