Base-mediated synthesis of ring-fluorinated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via sequential C–F substitutions†

Developing innovative approaches for the synthesis of compounds that integrate imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and fluoro fragments is crucial. Herein, an expedient [3 + 3] annulation method for synthesizing ring-fluorinated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via two consecutive C–F substitutions from readily available 1C,3N-dinucleophiles and β-CF₃-1,3-enynes is presented. This protocol exhibits several appealing features, including readily available and inexpensive substrates, a broad range of functional groups, step and atom economy, and mild reaction conditions without any transition-metal catalysts.