Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic C–H Carbonylative Esterification of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Alcohols as the Carbonyl Source

A simple and practical method has been developed for the carbonylative esterification of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via C(sp2)–H bond functionalization using alkyl alcohols under mild reaction conditions. The carbonyl fragment is sourced from radical-mediated C–C cleavage of the alcohols, providing a green, safe, and economic alternative to traditional carbonyl sources like carbon monoxide. Through this strategy, a number of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxylates were obtained from simple substrates by a single step.