Novel one-pot three component reaction for the synthesis of [2-(alkylsulfanyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl](aryl)methanone.

A one-pot, three-component reaction between pyridine, phenacyl bromide, and thiocyanate is described. The reaction afforded the corresponding special type of fully substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives in good yields without using any catalyst or activation.