Ring‐Opening Reaction of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines Using (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene and NaN3: The Synthesis of α‐Iminonitriles

The reaction of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine with NaN3 in the presence of (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as an oxidant resulted in the unusual formation of α‐iminonitriles in good yields under mild conditions. This method provides access to α‐iminonitriles under cyanide‐free and metal‐free reaction conditions.