Work

Nitrogen Position Matters: Synthetic Strategies, Functional Behavior and Dual Roles in Medicine and Materials in the Imidazopyridine Family

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Imidazopyridines are a versatile class of nitrogen-fused heterocycles bridging medicinal chemistry and materials science. Their π-conjugated framework allows broad structural tuning, yielding diverse biological and photophysical properties. The best-known isomers, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine, have been widely studied as pharmacophores and luminescent materials, respectively. The less explored imidazo[4,5-b] and imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines are now emerging as alternative scaffolds with distinctive electronic and functional behavior. This review summarizes synthetic strategies, electronic features, and key applications—from kinase inhibition and antiviral activity to fluorescence imaging, down-conversion, Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)/Light-emitting Electrochemical Cell (LEC) and hybrid optoelectronic systems—outlining how imidazopyridines can evolve from molecular frameworks into multifunctional platforms for bioimaging and advanced optoelectronic technologies.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16041937

Authors: Anita Cinco, Chiara Vola, G. Attilio Ardizzoia, Stefano Brenna, Gioele Colombo

Institutions: University of Insubria, Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori di Pavia

Language: English

Topic: Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: European Commission, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca