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