Synthesis and Biological Activities of Novel 1H‐Imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine Derivatives

Abstract

We describe herein an efficient method for synthesizing novel 7‐aryl‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines 4(a–j) via photocatalytic C(sp2)−C(sp2) cross coupling reaction under mild conditions. We have developed a photocatalytic approach for the synthesis of imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines with simple reaction steps and good yields. The compounds 4(a–j) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and showed average to good efficacy against the tested microorganisms. Particularly, compounds 4 b and 4 d exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both antibacterial and antifungal strains.