In/Cu Catalyzed Multiple C−N/C−C Bond Formation via Multiple Bond Cleavage in a Three Component Synthesis of Arylimidazopyridine Carboxylates

Abstract A protocol for In III and Cu I co‐catalyzed synthesis of a wide array of arylimidazopyridine carboxylates by three components coupling of benzaldehydes, malonic esters and 2‐aminopyridines is described. The reaction proceeds through a reaction cascade of Knoevenagel condensation, 1,4‐conjugate addition, aerobic dehydrogenation, Ortoleva‐King reaction and decarboxylation. Multiple C−N and C−C bond formations in addition to multiple C−C, C−H, C−O, and N−H bond cleavages are involved in forming the product.