Synthesis of naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines <i>via</i> Rh(<scp>iii</scp>)-catalyzed C–H functionalization of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines with cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones featuring with a ring opening and reannulation

Abstract

An unprecedented synthesis of functionalized naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2-<italic>a</italic>]pyridines <italic>via</italic> rhodium-catalyzed cascade reactions of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-<italic>a</italic>]pyridine-3-carbaldehydes with cyclic α-diazo-1,3-diketones is presented.