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