Electrochemical Oxidative C3 Acyloxylation of Imidazo[1,2‑a]pyridines with Hydrogen Evolution

The C3-functionalized imidazo­[1,2-a]­pyridines are versatile nitrogen-fused heterocycles; however, the methods for the C3 acyloxylation of imidazo­[1,2-a]­pyridines have never been reported. Herein we demonstrate the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo­[1,2-a]­pyridines for the first time. Notably, by using electricity, the electrochemical oxidative C3 acyloxylation of imidazo­[1,2-a]­pyridines was carried out under mild conditions. Moreover, in addition to aromatic carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylic acids were also competent substrates.