A process for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-a]-5,6,7,8-tetra hydropyridin-8-ones by reaction of .gamma.-butyrolactones with imidazols, novel imidazo[1,2-a]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyridin-8-ones, and their use for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines are described.