Molecular iodine enabled generation of iminyl radicals from oximes: A facile route to imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and its regioselective C-3 sulfenylated products from simple pyridines

An iodine promoted simple and environment friendly protocol has been developed to access imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from unfunctionalized pyridines and oxime esters. This straightforward method efficiently converts the substrates into corresponding products affording moderate to good yields with large functional group tolerance. Additionally extensive investigation revealed that regioselective domino C-3 methyl sulfenylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were also accessible first time from pyridines and oxime esters in DMSO solvent. The reaction operates through metal-free generation of iminyl radicals from easily accessible oxime esters, to build up the second heterocyclic ring on pyridines. [Display omitted]