Copper-mediated three-component synthesis of 3-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A copper-mediated three-component approach towards the synthesis of 3-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from 2-aminopyridines, acetophenones and benzyl cyanide was developed. This cascade reaction proceeds through a copper-mediated oxidative release of cyanide from benzyl cyanide, a copper-mediated Ortoleva-King reaction, and a copper-catalyzed cyanation.