A highly regioselective acid-catalyzed three-component reaction of 2-aminopyridine and 3-phenylpropiolaldehyde for the construction of imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine has been developed. This strategy provides a broad range of substrates and represents an efficient approach to give various 2-aminopyridine-decorated imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine in good yields.
Keywords: 2-aminopyridine; imidazo[1,2-a] pyridine; pivalic acid; three-component reaction.