One-Pot Three-Component Synthesis of Alkylthio-/Arylthio- Substituted Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Derivatives via C(sp2)–H Functionalization

Sulfenylation is an important transformation to generate C−S bonds in organic synthesis. Here, two three-component synthetic protocols have been developed by using imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridine, inorganic, odorless S 8 and alcohols or arylboronic acids as reactants to make alkylthio-/arylthio-substituted imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridine derivatives via C( sp 2 )–H functionalization. The reactions proceeded with high efficiency and broad functional group tolerance, affording the products regioselectively and in good yields.