Access to sulfonylated furans or imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via a metal-free three-component, domino reaction

An efficient three-component reaction of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds or pyridin-2-amines with ynals and sodium benzenesulfinates has been developed. This domino process provides a new and effective strategy for the preparation of sulfonylated furan or imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives. The strategy exhibits excellent functional group tolerance and good efficiency.