Formation of Methylene Linkage for N-Heterocycles: Sequential C-H and C-O Bond Functionalization of Methanol with Cosolvent Water.

An iron-catalyzed methylene forming strategy is disclosed through sequential C-H and C-O bond functionalization of methanol with cosolvent water. This protocol provides an easy and novel access to methylene-tethered imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine and 2-aminopyridine analogues in a sustainable manner and represents a complementary approach to traditional methylene forming strategies.