Synthesis of Fused Imidazo-Pyridine and -Azepine Derivatives by Sequential van Leusen/Heck Reactions.

Abstract Fused imidazo-pyridine and -azepine derivatives were synthesized using a sequential van Leusen/intramolecular Heck protocol. The combination of a multicomponent reaction followed by an intramolecular carbon–carbon bond forming reaction generates heterocycles of significant molecular complexity from readily available starting materials in just two steps.