B(C₆F₅)₃‐Catalysed Alkylation of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines Using α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones

Abstract

Fluorinated triarylboranes have shown a breadth of reactivity as catalysts for organic transformations, particularly in carbon‐carbon bond forming reactions. Herein we report a facile, metal‐free synthetic route for the addition of 2‐phenylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines to α,β‐unsaturated ketones using B(C6F5)3 as a metal‐free catalyst. 25 examples of reactions leading to products in up to 97% yield are reported. DFT studies show the role of B(C6F5)3 and hydrogen shuttling in the mechanism of this Michael alkylation.