Multicomponent solvent-free synthesis of benzimidazolyl imidazo[1,2-a]-pyridine under microwave irradiation

A novel one-pot, three-component reaction employing variously substituted benzimidazole-linked amino pyridines, aldehydes, and isonitriles catalyzed by scandium(III) triflate under solvent-free conditions were accomplished. This new synthetic methodology facilitates the rapid generation of intricate molecular frameworks in three-dimensional fashion leading to benzimidazole-imidazo[1,2-a] pyridines. This approach is envisioned as an environmentally benign process and a simple operation to the biological interesting compounds. The present synthetic sequence permits the introduction of three points of structural diversity to expand chemical space with high purity and excellent yields.