InBr3-catalyzed three-component, one-pot synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

Indium(III) bromide has been used for the first time for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines in a one-pot operation from 2-aminopyridine, aldehydes, and alkynes. InBr3 was found to be more effective for the activation of both alkyne and imine derived from aryl aldehyde and 2-aminopyridine.