Ruthenium-Catalyzed Oxidative C–H Bond Alkenylation of 2-Phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine

Abstract

Monoalkenylation of sp² C–H bonds directed by the innate reactivity of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine to afford 2-(2′-alkenylphenyl)imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine with high levels of diastereoselectivity is described. The methodology is employed to generate di-substituted alkenes by using a cationic ruthenium(II) catalyst in the presence of AgSbF₆ and Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O under air.