Synthesis of Fused Imidazole-Containing Ring Systems via Dual Oxidative Amination of C(sp(3))-H Bonds.

A general and efficient method for a metal-free one-pot synthesis of highly substituted fused imidazole-containing 5,5- and 5,6-fused bicyclic heterocycles is described. Starting from commercially available substrates and reagents, the reaction proceeds through two C-N bond formations and an oxidative dehydrogenation to form highly substituted products in good to excellent yield.