Regiocontrolled functionalization of 2,3-dihalogenoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines by Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.

An efficient method for regiocontrolled functionalization of 2,3-dihalogenoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine was developed. This sequence allowed the selective introduction of aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl and alkynyl substituents at both 2- and 3-positions, by using Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. A library of compounds diversely substituted on 2- and 3-positions can be easily prepared from a common, stable and easily accessible starting material.