Electrochemically Promoted [3 + 2] Annulation of Imidazo[1,2‑a]pyridine with Alkynes

The efficient electrochemically promoted [3 + 2] annulation of imidazo­[1,2-a]­pyridines with alkynes using traceless electrons as green reagents has been developed, leading to the synthesis of a large class of polycyclic heteroaromatics in good yields with a broad substrate scope under mild and green conditions. The scaled-up experiment, follow-up procedures, and potential biological applications show the practicability and feasibility of the electrochemical method.