Au-catalyzed domino process synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from 2-aminopyridine and N-tosylhydrazones: An efficient CN bond formation reaction

A novel Au-catalyzed domino reaction for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from 2-aminopyridine and N-tosylhydrazones has been developed using molecular oxygen. It represents a new strategy for the formation of CN bonds. This transformation demonstrated a broad tolerance toward the substrates and allowed the generation of a diverse imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives with good yields.