New multi-component reaction accessing 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

The novel one step solution phase synthesis of an array of 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines is reported. Reactions were performed in methanol by mixing a α-amino-pyridine, aldehyde and trimethylsilylcyanide (TMSCN) to give the desired product. Mediated by microwave irradiation and catalyzed by scandium triflate, the methodology represents the first one pot preparation of 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines that avoids the use of an isonitrile and subsequent de-protection strategy. The reaction is an example of a formal three-centre-three-component multi-component reaction.