Functional 1,8-naphthyridine copper(I) complex as efficient catalyst for <em>n</em>-arylation of imidazoles coupling reactions

Abstract

The functional 1,8-naphthyridine copper(I) complex, synthesized through a non-catalyst C(<em>sp</em>³)–H methylenation, catalyzes the cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with imidazoles, by C―N bond formation. The Cu(I) complex catalyzes the reaction with a low catalyst loading (1%, molar fraction) and cheap base even under aerobic conditions.The procedure tolerates aryl halides with various functional groups(such as methyl, methoxy, acetyl, fluoro, nitrile and nitro groups) and gives the corresponding coupling products in moderate to high yields.