A one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A series of 5,7,8-polysubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were synthesized regioselectively from in situ generated α,β-unsaturated imines and dianions derived from methyl azolyl acetates in a one-pot procedure. The targeted molecules were conveniently isolated in analytically pure form (ca. 50–70% yields) by trituration of the concentrated reaction mixtures with cold ether.