Iodine-Mediated Sulfenylation of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Ethyl Arylsulfinates

Abstract A simple iodine-mediated approach is reported for the synthesis of sulfenylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines through the reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with ethyl arylsulfinates under mild conditions. The reaction scope was investigated, and a plausible mechanism is proposed to elucidate the reaction process and activation mode. The results indicate that ethyl sulfinates are efficient sulfur sources for the construction of C–S bonds.