Polyurethane ionomers are well-known and user-friendly polymers. Here, we introduce their catalytic activity for organic reactions as a novel aspect of these polymers. We selected an isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction for proving the catalytic activity of polyurethane ionomers. Therefore, a convenient and very mild methodology is described for the preparation of 3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via a three component reaction between 2-aminopyridines, aldehydes and isocyanides in the presence of a cationic polyurethane dispersion at low reaction temperatures, in short reaction times and excellent yields. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.