Direct catalytic C–H arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with aryl bromides using magnetically recyclable Pd–Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The direct C–H arylation of a heteroarene with aryl bromides has been achieved under the catalysis of magnetic nanoparticles. In the presence of bimetallic Pd–Fe3O4 heterodimer nanocrystals (1 mol % in palladium), the reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with various aryl bromides gives the corresponding arylated products with exclusive C3-selectivity. The highly regioselective method is applicable to a wide range of aryl bromides with varying electronic and steric properties. The Pd–Fe3O4 nanocrystals can be recoverable by simple magnetic separation and have been recycled ten times without loss of catalytic activity.