Bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) catalyzed synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives and their fluorescence properties

A convenient synthetic protocol for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine has been developed by employing one-pot three-component Ugi reaction by employing aromatic amidine, aromatic aldehyde, and isocyanide using 5 mol % of bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) at room temperature. In addition, they also exhibit interesting fluorescence properties, which may be useful for fluorescent probe. Mild reaction conditions, non-aqueous work-up procedure, good yields, short reaction time, and no need of chromatographic separation are some of the salient features of the present protocol.