Orthogonal and auto-tandem catalysis: synthesis of dipyrido[1,2-a:2',3'-d]imidazole and its benzo and aza analogues via inter- and intramolecular C-N bond formation.

[reaction: see text] The synthesis of dipyrido[1,2-a:2',3'-d]imidazole and hitherto unknown benzo and aza analogues is described. These relatively complex polycyclic heterocycles could be smoothly prepared in one step from commercially available building blocks. Mechanistically, the developed procedure involves orthogonal (Pd and Cu catalyst) or auto-tandem (Pd catalyst) catalysis via regioselective inter- and intramolecular C-N bond formation.