Electrochemical Oxidative C3 Acyloxylation of Imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines with Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

The C3-functionalized imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines are versatile nitrogen-fused heterocycles; however, the methods for the C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines have never been reported. Herein we demonstrate the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines for the first time. Notably, by using electricity, the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridines was carried out under mild conditions. Moreover, in addition to aromatic carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids were also competent substrates.