Stepwise approach to the 2,3‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine and 5‐oxo‐1,2,3,5‐tetrahydroimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine ring systems

Abstract The syntheses of 2,3‐dihydro‐8‐fluoro‐6‐trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2‐ a ]pyridine‐3‐carbonitrile ( 2 ), 8‐fluoro‐6‐trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2‐ a ]pyridine‐3‐carbonitrile ( 9 ) and 5‐oxo‐8‐trifluoromethyl‐1,2,3,5‐tetrahydroimidazo[1,2‐ a ]pyridine‐3‐carbonitrile ( 3 ) are described. These compounds are constructed in a stepwise approach starting from the properly substituted 2‐halopyridines.