Reactivity of p-Toluenesulfonylmethyl Isocyanide: Iron-Involved C-H Tosylmethylation of Imidazopyridines in Nontoxic Media

J Org Chem. 2016 Sep 16;81(18):8370-7. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b01552. Epub 2016 Sep 6.

Abstract

A novel iron-involved tosylmethylation of imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines with p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide in a solvent mixture of H2O and PEG400 under an Ar atmosphere has been developed. This protocol provides a facile synthetic route for the functionalization of the imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine scaffold with broad substrate compatibility, which is less expensive and environmentally friendly. The current methodology could further enable regioselective C-H tosylmethylation of indole at the C3 position. Also, p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide was utilized as the tosylmethylating reagent for the first time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Methylation
  • Nitriles / chemistry*
  • Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Pyridines / chemistry*
  • Tosyl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Nitriles
  • Pyridines
  • Tosyl Compounds
  • imidazopyridine
  • 4-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide
  • Iron