Scheme 9. Synthesis of curcumin-inspired imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine analogues 36a–t; reagents and conditions: (i) 15% NaOH, ethanol, 0 °C – rt, 2–3 h, 71–85%. (ii) Ethanol, reflux, 1 h, 74.3%; (iii) NIS, rt, 1 h, 65.1%; (iv) Pd(PPh₃)₄, Na₂CO₃, dioxane : H₂O = 8 : 2, 75 °C, 2–6 h, 65–73%; (v) LiAlH₄, THF, 0 °C – rt, 1 h, 67–71%; (vi) DMP, DCM, 0 °C, 1 h, 65–74%; (vii) CH₃ONa, ethanol, rt, 15 min, 63–82%.