A time-controlled selective bromination and formylation of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

An unexpected and selective synthetic technique was devised for 3-bromo-2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 3-formyl-2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives synthesis, utilizing DMSO and copper(II) bromide under time-controlled settings. Initially, the imidazopyridines underwent bromination, followed by the subsequent conversion of the brominated imidazopyridines into formylated imidazopyridines. This innovative technique has various advantages over previous ones, such as sequential synthesis of brominated and formylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and, for the first time, utilizing CuBr₂ and DMSO as dual active agents simultaneously. This practical process can moreover produce two widely used products in the medical and pharmaceutical realm which increases its efficiency and adaptability.