One-pot regiospecific synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: a novel, metal-free, three-component reaction for the formation of C-N, C-O, and C-S bonds.

A novel transition-metal-free three-component reaction for the construction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines has been developed. It represents a facile approach for the formation of C-N, C-O, and C-S bonds from ynals, pyridin-2-amines, and alcohols or thiols.