A simple and efficient synthesis of imidazolo[1,2-a]pyridines using MgO in aqueous medium

Various imidazolo[1,2-a]pyridines were synthesized from amino pyridines and aromatic phenacyl bromides by one step process in the presence of MgO in aqueous medium at room temperature. The salient feature of this method includes mild conditions, short reaction time, high yields, easy purification and simple procedure.