Visible-light-induced regioselective sulfenylation of imidazopyridines with thiols under transition metal-free conditions

Abstract

A metal-free visible-light-promoted regioselective C-3 sulfenylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and indoles using thiols has been developed via C(sp²)–H functionalization. This method provides direct access to a wide range of structurally diverse 3-sulfenylimidazopyridines of biological interest. The operational simplicity, eco-energy source, high atom efficiency, and the use of green solvents under ambient conditions are some of the attractive features of this methodology.