Electrochemical Oxidative C3 Acyloxylation of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Hydrogen Evolution

The C3-functionalized imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines are versatile nitrogen-fused heterocycles; however, the methods for the C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines have never been reported. Herein we demonstrate the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines for the first time. Notably, by using electricity, the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines was carried out under mild conditions. Moreover, in addition to aromatic carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids were also competent substrates.