Visible-Light-Promoted and EDA Complex-Driven [4 + 2] Annulation for the Construction of Naphtho[1',2':4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.

A green visible-light-promoted and electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex-driven synthetic strategy for the construction of value-added naphtho[1',2':4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Z-α-bromocinnamaldehydes has been accomplished under photocatalyst- and transition-metal-free conditions. This efficient annulation approach provides a new and straightforward pathway for the annulative π-extension of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based aromatics. Moreover, the sustainable methodology exhibits simple operation, a wide range of substrates, benign conditions, and good functional group compatibility.

Regio- and Stereoselective Hydrosulfonation of Alkynylcarbonyl Compounds with Sulfinic Acid in Water.

We report the atom-economic and environmentally friendly synthesis of Z-ß-sulfonyl-a,ß-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in water. The mechanism study reveals that the hydrosulfonylation of alkynylcarbonyl compounds with sulfinic acids proceeds via a mechanism that features a sulfinic acid molecule protonating an alkynyl motif to form the ethenium intermediate, which subsequently reacted with a sulfonyl anion to afford the desired products. The ethenium intermediate differentiated electronic and steric demands between the two substituents on the C≡C triple bond of the alkyne substrates to exhibit high regio- and stereoselectivity from a wide range of Z-ß-sulfonyl-a,ß-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.