The cyclization of 4-methylpyridine-2-amine (I) with 2-bromoacetaldehyde (II) in refluxing ethanol gives 7-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (III), which by reaction with formaldehyde in refluxing acetic acid is converted into 7-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-ylmethanol (IV). Finally, this compound is condensed with 2-phenylethanethiol (V) in acetic acid at 100 C.