We describe herein a catalyst-free selective C−H sulfenylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using sulfonothioates as odorless source of thioarylated reagent in an aqueous medium. The method works for a variety of substitutedimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with broad functional group tolerance. The methodology has been extends to selective sulfernylation of indoles and imidazothiazoles. The sulfonothioates are
Regioselective sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles with thiophenols at room temperature is reported. Sulfenylation is promoted by N-chlorosuccinimide under metal-free conditions with a broad range of substrate scopes.