Selective C(8)-H Activation of Imidazopyridines Mediated by Cooperative Nickel-Aluminum Catalysis

Abstract

A catalytic paradigm is described featuring a synergistic interaction between nickel, aluminum and different ligands to impart a rather remote C-H alkenylation of imidazo[1,5-a] pyridines at the C-8 position without the necessity of installing a directing group. The scope of the direct C-H activation reactions of various 5-aryl- and 3-arylimidazopyridines is established using different sterically hindered alkynes.