Synthetic Approaches to Imidazo[1,2-a]indole,2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-a]-indoles and Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indole Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Imidazo[1,2-a]indoles, 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-a]-indoles and benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indoles are rare yet valuable classes of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, offering diverse applications in pharmaceutical development and advanced materials research. Despite their potential medicinal applications, efficient synthesis methods for these substances remain limited. This review provides an in-depth analysis of emerging synthetic approaches for imidazo[1,2-a]indoles and benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]indoles, including metal-catalyzed and metal-free methods, as well as metal-catalyzed synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-a]indoles, offering valuable insights into effective synthetic strategies.