I₂-Catalyzed Three-Component Consecutive Reaction for the Synthesis of 3-Aroylimidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]-<i>N</i>-Heterocycles

Abstract

A convenient one-pot, three-component reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 3-aroylimidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]-<i>N</i>-heterocycles from aryl ketones and 2-amino-<i>N</i>-heterocycles using dimethyl sulfoxide as a methylene donor. The reaction proceeds smoothly catalyzed by I₂ in the presence of K₂S₂O₈ and affords the desired products in moderate to good yields. This protocol offers significant superiority in accessing biologically active 3-aroylimidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]-<i>N</i>-heterocycles with various substitution patterns.