Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Direct C‐Arylation of Azoles with Aryl Bromides

A concise route to access 5H‐imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole heterofused compounds by copper(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular coupling of non‐activated aryl bromides with azoles is reported. With CuI as catalyst, 1,10‐phenanthroline as ligand, and K₃PO₄ as base, the reactions of 1‐(2‐bromobenzyl)‐1H‐imidazoles in DMF/o‐xylene (1:1, V:V) at 145°C afford the corresponding substituted 5H‐imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindoles in high yields via intramolecular C‐arylation.     

Direct α‐Arylation of Ethers through the Combination of Photoredox‐Mediated C?H Functionalization and the Minisci Reaction

The direct α‐arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers with heteroarenes has been accomplished through the design of a photoredox‐mediated C H functionalization pathway. Transiently generated α‐oxyalkyl radicals, produced from a variety of widely available ethers through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), were coupled with a range of electron‐deficient heteroarenes in a Minisci‐type mechanism. This mild, visible‐light‐driven protocol allows direct access to medicinal pharmacophores of broad utility using feedstock substrates and a commercial photocatalyst.