Iodine Mediated Annulation of Triethylamine, Aldehydes and 2‐Aminopyridines for the Synthesis of 3‐Formyl‐Imidazo1,2‐apyridine Derivatives

Abstract With triethylamine as a synthon, an alternative method for the synthesis of 3‐formyl imidazo1,2‐apyridines has been accomplished from aldehydes, and 2‐aminopyridines. The reaction proceeded via iodine‐catalyzed C−N bond cleavage of triethylamine, generation of α , β ‐unsaturated aldehyde in situ, and oxidative cyclization with air as the oxygen source. This protocol may facilitate the synthesis of imidazo1,2‐apyridine derivatives and provide a reference for the usage of triethylamine as a synthon.