The reaction of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine with NaN3 in the presence of (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as an oxidant resulted in the unusual formation of α‐iminonitriles in good yields under mild conditions. This method provides access to α‐iminonitriles under cyanide‐free and metal‐free reaction conditions.

No abstract

In addition to the title transformation, the mild, metal‐free protocol is applied to the transformation of N‐acetyl isatins into 2‐acetamidobenzoates.

MS (ESI): m/z (M +) calculated for C 12 H 13 81 Br 2 NO 4 : 394.9211 Found [M + 23]: 418. Methyl 2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-5-nitrobenzoate (2m) 2 :