Regioselective oxidative trifluoromethylation of imidazoheterocycles via C(sp2)-H bond functionalization.

Catalytic oxidative trifluoromethylation of imidazopyridines has been carried out at room temperature through the functionalization of the sp(2) C-H bond employing Langlois reagent under ambient air. A library of 3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with broad functionalities have been synthesized regioselectively. This methodology is also applicable to imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole and benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole.