I₂‑Catalyzed Three-Component Consecutive Reaction for the Synthesis of 3‑Aroylimidazo[1,2‑a]‑N‑Heterocycles

A convenient one-pot, three-component reaction has been developed for the synthesis of 3-aroylimidazo­[1,2-a]-N-heterocycles from aryl ketones and 2-amino-N-heterocycles using dimethyl sulfoxide as a methylene donor. The reaction proceeds smoothly catalyzed by I₂ in the presence of K₂S₂O₈ and affords the desired products in moderate to good yields. This protocol offers significant superiority in accessing biologically active 3-aroylimidazo­[1,2-a]-N-heterocycles with various substitution patterns.