“…[9] However, these approaches can suffer from inappropriate substitution patterns, precursors that are difficult to obtain, poor atom economics, and sluggish reactions (up to 10 d). [10] Recently, both we and Gevorgyan et al have independently explored a new approach to imidazo [1,2-a]pyridines by a three-component tandem reaction of 2-aminopyridines, aldehydes, and alkynes. [11] This one-pot reaction is believed to undergo three cascade processes according to path a, namely imination/addition/cycloisomerization (Scheme 1); however, path b, namely addition/amination/cycloisomerization, has not been absolutely excluded.…”