A practical two-step synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)pyridin-2-amines

The Sandmeyer reaction of differently C-2 substituted N-(prop-2yn-1-ylamino)pyridines is an efficient, mild, new and practical method for the stereospecific synthesis of (E)-exo-halomethylene bicyclic pyridones bearing the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine heterocyclic ring system.