Gold-Catalyzed Redox Synthesis of ImidazoAa)pyridines using Pyridine N-Oxide and Alkynes

A mild, catalytic, atom economical syn- thesis of imidazoAa)pyridines has been devel- oped: catalytic dichloro(2-pyridinecarboxylato)gold (PicAuCl2) in the presence of an acid produces a range of imidazoAa)pyridines in good yields starting from alkynes and 2-aminopyridine N- oxides. This strategy is mild and foreseen to be of particular use for the installation of stereogenic centers adjacent to the imidazoAa)pyridine ring without loss of enantiomeric excess.