Efficient access to 2,3-diarylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via a one-pot, ligand-free, palladium-catalyzed three-component reaction under microwave irradiation

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine: Electron Donor Groups in the Design of D-π-A Dyes

This work investigates the electron-donating capabilities of two 10-π electron nitrogen bridgehead bicyclic [5,6]-fused ring systems, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine rings. Eight compounds with varying positions of electron-withdrawing moieties (TCF or DCI) coupled to the imidazopyridine ring were synthesized and studied. DCI-containing compounds (Ib-IVb) exhibited a purely dipolar nature with broad absorption bands, weak fluorescence, large Stokes shifts, and strong solvatochromism. In contrast, TCF-containing compounds (Ia-IVa) demonstrated diverse properties. Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives Ia and IIa were purely dipolar, while imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives IIIa and IVa displayed a cyanine-like character with intense absorption and higher quantum yields of emission. The observed gradual red shift in optical properties with changing electron-donor groups (IIb < Ib < IIIb < IVb) and (IIa < Ia < IIIa < IVa) underscores the stronger electron-donor character of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine compared to that of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine. Furthermore, crystalline powders of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives exhibited fluorescence despite minimal emission in solution. Two compounds (Ib and IVa) were successfully formulated into nanoparticles for potential in vivo imaging applications in zebrafish embryos.

Regioselective synthesis and molecular docking studies of functionalized imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine derivatives through MCRs

A efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of regioselective imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives through cascade reaction between 2-aminopyridine, arylelglyoxal, and 4-hydroxypyran via three-component reaction to prepare targeted compounds with good to excellent yields. The advantages of this transformation are a catalyst-free reaction, green solvent, operationally simple, scalable, and eco-friendly. The product collects with simple filtration which avoided tedious and expensive purification techniques. In addition, computational studies like molecular docking were conducted to provide the theoretical possibilities of binding these types of synthesized compounds to the VEGFR2 receptors as potential key inhibitors of tumor cell growth and angiogenesis.

Gold-catalyzed oxidation of terminal alkynes to glyoxals and their reactions with 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: one-pot synthesis of 1,2-diones

A novel one-pot protocol for the convenient and efficient synthesis of (2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)alkane-1,2-diones (3) in good yields (32-88%) from 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines (1) and terminal alkynes (2) has been established with a wide range of substrate scope. A tandem reaction sequence containing gold-catalyzed double oxidations of terminal alkynes to generate glyoxals, nucleophilic addition of 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines to glyoxals to yield α-hydroxyl ketones, and oxygenation of the α-hydroxyl ketones to afford the final products 3 under air atmosphere is involved in this method. Simple operation, mild reaction conditions, and widely available substrates make this strategy more affordable.

The microwave-assisted syntheses and applications of non-fused single-nitrogen-containing heterocycles

Microwave technology has emerged as a great tool for the efficient synthesis of organic compounds and it provides opportunities for chemists to achieve chemical transformations that tend to be challenging using classical approaches. Additionally, N-heterocycles are well-known for their medicinal/biological significance, along with their applications as excellent building blocks in chemical synthesis. The dominance of N-heterocycles in drug molecules and other pharmacological agents makes them attractive scaffolds, which encourages chemists to develop a wide range of strategies towards the greener synthesis and functionalization of these heterocycles. In this regard, we have collated and discussed literature relating to the microwave-assisted synthesis and the modification of non-(benzo)fused single-nitrogen-containing N-heterocycles from the past decade. The role of the microwave technique and its benefits over the conventional approach have also been emphasized in terms of overall reaction efficiency, reaction time, yield, reduced side-product generation, neat and clean reactions, chemo-/regio-/enantio-selectivity, and the use of mild reagents/reaction conditions to achieve the objectives of green and sustainable chemistry.

Facile synthesis of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines catalysed by DBU in aqueous ethanol

A facile protocol for the synthesis of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines was developed using two-component cyclization of substituted 2-aminopyridines and substituted phenacyl bromides in 65–94% yield. The reaction was DBU catalysed using green solvent, aqueous ethanol (1 : 1 v/v) at room temperature. The atom economy of the products was calculated to be 66.25–73.41%. The developed protocol successfully exhibits a broad substrate scope, less reaction time, high to moderate yield and multigram scale synthesis.

Selective, C-3 Friedel-Crafts acylation to generate functionally diverse, acetylated Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives

Carbon-carbon bonds are integral for pharmaceutical discovery and development. Frequently, C-C bond reactions utilize expensive catalyst/ligand combinations and/or are low yielding, which can increase time and expenditures in pharmaceutical development. To enhance C-C bond formation protocols, we developed a highly efficient, selective, and combinatorially applicable Friedel-Crafts acylation to acetylate the C-3 position of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. The reaction, catalyzed by aluminum chloride, is both cost effective and more combinatorial friendly compared to acetylation reactions requiring multiple, stoichiometric equivalents of AlCl3. The protocol has broad application in the construction of acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with an extensive substrate scope. All starting materials are common and the reaction requires inexpensive, conventional heating methods for adaptation in any laboratory. Further, the synthesized compounds are predicted to possess GABA activity through a validated, GABA binding model. The developed method serves as a superior route to generate C-3 acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine building-blocks for combinatorial synthetic efforts.

Metal-free C–H arylation of imidazoheterocycles with aryl hydrazines

Metal-free C–H arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines at C-3 position with arylhydrazines in presence of DBU has been developed at room temperature under ambient air.

Transition-metal-free C–C bond cleavage and formation: efficient synthesis of 2,3-diarylimidazo[1,2-α]pyridines from 2-aminopyridines and alkynoates

A highly efficient transition-metal-free cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 2,3-diarylimidazo[1,2-α]pyridines is described.

Metal-free, efficient hydrazination of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with diethyl azodicarboxylate in neutral media

The first example of metal-free regioselective hydrazination of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with diethyl azodicarboxylate is accomplished. This procedure is chemically appealing due to the high degree of functional group tolerance and efficiency in expanding the molecular diversity.

Computer aided drug discovery of highly ligand efficient, low molecular weight imidazopyridine analogs as FLT3 inhibitors

The FLT3 kinase represents an attractive target to effectively treat AML. Unfortunately, no FLT3 targeted therapeutic is currently approved. In line with our continued interests in treating kinase related disease for anti-FLT3 mutant activity, we utilized pioneering synthetic methodology in combination with computer aided drug discovery and identified low molecular weight, highly ligand efficient, FLT3 kinase inhibitors. Compounds were analyzed for biochemical inhibition, their ability to selectively inhibit cell proliferation, for FLT3 mutant activity, and preliminary aqueous solubility. Validated hits were discovered that can serve as starting platforms for lead candidates.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel 2,3-disubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via one-pot three component reactions

An expeditious one-pot, metal-free, three-component reaction of arylglyoxals, cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls and 2-aminopyridines in the presence of molecular iodine under microwave irradiation is reported.

One-pot, three component tandem reaction of 2-aminopyridines, acetophenones and aldehydes: synthesis of 3-aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A facile synthesis of 3-aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives has been achieved via a copper(ii) chloride catalyzed one-pot, three-component tandem reaction of acetophenones, arylaldehydes and 2-aminopyridines.

Advances in direct C–H arylation of 5,5- 6,5- and 6,6-fused-heterocycles containing heteroatoms (N, O, S)

This report aims to review the advances made in C–H arylation of 5,6, 6,6 and 5,5 fused-heterocyclic systems.

Iodine–triphenylphosphine mediated sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles with sodium sulfinates

An efficient approach to sulfenyl imidazoheterocycles has been developed via iodine–triphenylphosphine mediated direct sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles with sodium sulfinates under transition-metal-free conditions.

Acid/base-controlled chemodivergent synthesis of two differently functionalized tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

Two differently substituted type of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives were synthesized chemodivergently using β-ketothioamides, aldehydes and heterocyclic ketene aminals through acid/base regulation.

Palladium nanoparticles in glycerol: a clear-cut catalyst for one-pot multi-step processes applied in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds

Palladium/TPPTS nanoparticles in glycerol represent a versatile catalyst leading to a large variety of heterocycles through domino/sequential one-pot approaches.