Synthesis of imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines with a trifluoromethyl group at C-4 and/or C-6

Thermal condensation of histamine with trifluoroacetaldehyde gives 4-(trifluoromethyl)spinacamine and subsequent dehydrogenation with selenium dioxide leads to 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (42%). Fluorination with sulfur tetrafluoride of L-spinacine, obtained from the condensation of L-histidine with formaldehyde, affords 6-(trifluoromethyl)spinacamine, which can be converted to 6-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine with selenium dioxide (49%). Application of the sequential reactions to 4-(trifluoro-methyl)-L-spinacine gives 4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine. Dehydrogenation of the tetrahydropyridine ring also occurred during the fluorination with sulfur tetrafluoride.