Heteroaromatic imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines synthesis from C–H/N–H oxidative cross-coupling/cyclization

A novel silver-mediated highly selective C-H/N-H oxidative cross-coupling/cyclization between 2-aminopyridines and terminal alkynes has been demonstrated. This approach provided a simple way to construct heteroaromatic imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. By using this protocol, the marketed drug zolimidine (antiulcer) could be synthesized easily.