Three Sequential C-N Bond Formations: tert-Butyl Nitrite as a N1 Synthon in a Three Component Reaction Leading to Imidazo[1,2-a]quinolines and Imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

tert-Butyl nitrite serves the dual role of an oxidant as well as a N1 synthon in a multicomponent reaction involving quinolines, isoquinolines, and styrenes. Herein, two sp2 C-H functionalizations of styrenes and one sp2 C-H functionalization of quinolines and isoquinolines lead to the formation of fused quinolines and isoquinolines via three sequential C-N bond formations.