Catalyst-Free Regioselective C‑3 Thiocyanation of Imidazopyridines

A direct and straightforward approach for highly regioselective thiocyanation of imidazoheterocycles through sp² C–H functionalization has been realized at room temperature. Various C-3 thiocyanated imidazopyridines are formed in moderate to good yield. The present method exhibits a mild and selective access to a variety of imidazopyridine derivatives of pharmacological interest.