Synthesis of symmetrical methylene-bridged imidazoheterocycles using DMSO as methylene source under metal-free conditions.

A facile H3PO4-promoted bridging methylenation of imidazopyridines or similar heterocycles has been described for the synthesis of symmetrical methylene-bridged imidazoheterocycles, in which DMSO was used as the carbon source. The reaction obtained good yields for most substrates with high C3-regioselectivity. This method also features metal-free, practicability and low cost.