Directed regioselective arylation of imidazo[1,2-]pyridine-3-carboxamides using Rh(III) catalysis.

In contrast to previously reported free-radical pathways to functionalize imidazo[1,2-]pyridines at the C-5 centre, directing group approaches are rare. Herein, we demonstrate a rhodium(III) catalyzed efficient and regioselective strategy for directed C-5 functionalization of imidazo[1,2-]pyridines using -methoxyamide as a directing group. This methodology facilitates directed arylation without the necessity for pre-functionalization. It also allows for gram-scale synthesis and post-functionalization.