Synthesis of\nπ‑Extended Imidazo[1,2‑<i>a</i>]quinolines\nvia Carboxylic Acid-Assisted Ru(II)-Catalyzed\nDual C–H Activation and Alkyne Annulation

Ru(II)-catalyzed, carboxylic acid-assisted oxidative\nannulation\nof <i>N</i>-aryl azoles with alkynes via double C–H\nactivation to produce highly functionalized π-extended imidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]quinolines is reported. The reaction features a broad\nsubstrate generality and tolerates various biologically relevant scaffolds.\nInterestingly, annulated products showed strong fluorescence properties\nand an AgIE effect and exhibited a selective fluorescent response\ntoward the Cu<sup>2+</sup> ion. Further photocatalytic properties\nof the product are demonstrated in the photochemical coupling of azoles\nand arenes.