Copper-catalyzed C-N bond formation with imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.

An efficient Cu-catalyzed method for direct C-N bond formation on the C-3 position of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines is reported. The robust copper catalyst tolerated a wide range of functional groups and set the stage for the synthesis of diversely decorated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. Preliminary experimental results show that the reaction mechanism is consistent with C-3 radical functionalization.