An efficient direct electrolysis method for the synthesis of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyxy substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines†

Electrochemical oxidative cross-dehydrogenative-coupling (CDC) is an ideal strategy to conduct the C3-alkoxylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, but it remains a challenge owing to limitation imposed by the use of alkyl alcohols and carboxylic acids. Herein, we report a mild and efficient 2-electrode constant-potential electrolysis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) to produce various imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine HFIP ethers. Mechanistic studies indicated that the electrooxidation reaction might involve radical coupling and ionic reaction.