Imidazole-based potential bi- and tridentate nitrogen ligands: Synthesis, characterization and application in asymmetric catalysis

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules13092326

Twelve new imidazole-based potential bi- and tridentate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Whereas in the first series the α-amino acid and imidazole moieties were linked by an amino bond, in the second series the tridentate ligands, containing two imidazole groups, were separated by an amide bond. The first series was obtained by the reductive amination of 2-phenylimidazole-4-carboxaldehyde with α-amino acid esters. The tridentate ligands were prepared from 2-phenylimidazole-4-carboxylic acid and chiral amines. In the Henry reaction, the amines were revealed as a more reactive species than the less nucleophilic amides, however the enantiomeric excesses were generally poor.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules13092326

Molecules 2008, 13, 2326-2339; DOI: 10.3390/molecules13092326
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.org/molecules
Article
Imidazole-based Potential Bi- and Tridentate Nitrogen Ligands:
Synthesis, Characterization and Application in Asymmetric
Catalysis
Roman Sívek, Filip Bureš *, Oldřich Pytela and Jiří Kulhánek
Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of
Pardubice, nám. Čs. legií 565, Pardubice, CZ-532 10, Czech Republic
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: filip.bures@upce.cz.
Received: 2 September 2008; in revised form: 10 September 2008 / Accepted: 12 September 2008 /
Published: 25 September 2008
Abstract: Twelve new imidazole-based potential bi- and tridentate ligands were
synthesized and characterized. Whereas in the first series the α-amino acid and imidazole
moieties were linked by an amino bond, in the second series the tridentate ligands,
containing two imidazole groups, were separated by an amide bond. The first series was
obtained by the reductive amination of 2-phenylimidazole-4-carboxaldehyde with α-amino
acid esters. The tridentate ligands were prepared from 2-phenylimidazole-4-carboxylic
acid and chiral amines. In the Henry reaction, the amines were revealed as a more reactive
species than the less nucleophilic amides, however the enantiomeric excesses were
generally poor.
Keywords: Imidazole; Nitrogen ligands; Asymmetric catalysis
Introduction
A remarkable effort has been devoted by organic chemists over the past 10 years to the design,
synthesis, characterization and applications of diverse chiral imidazole-based derivatives [1-11]. These
five-membered heterocyclic compounds are mainly being explored for their interesting
physicochemical and biological properties, thermal and chemical robustness, acid-base character and

Molecules 2008, 13
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possible tautomerism, and last but not least, for their easy synthesis and possible manifold
functionalization. Imidazole is frequently found as part of a large number of biologically and
medicinally significant substances [12, 13] e.g. histidine and its derivatives or as part of the purine
skeleton [14]. More recently, imidazole and its derivatives became of interest due to their ability to
bind various transition metals [15-16]. In such complexes, the imidazole with its two nitrogen atoms
serves as a coordination part of the molecule whereas the chiral auxiliaries at positions 1, 2, 4 or 5
provide an overall asymmetrical environment. This way, designed complexes were able to perform as
promising candidates for application in a wide range of asymmetric reactions involving e.g. the Henry
reaction [17], conjugate addition [18], addition of dialkylzinc to aldehydes [19], allylation [20],
epoxidation and cyclopropanation [21], oxidation [22] or transfer hydrogenation [23].
Several readily available enantiopure precursors such as α-amino acids [2, 4, 5, 7], chiral amines
[9], 1,2-amino alcohols [6,10] or α-(acetyloxy)aldehydes [8] were already utilized as a convenient
starting material in the synthesis of the chiral imidazole derivatives. Recently, we reported on the
synthesis and application of the 2-phenylimidazolecarboxamides 1 featuring an amino acid motive
[24], as well as on the tridentate ligands 2 prepared from α-amino acids containing two imidazole
groups linked through an amino bond [17] (Scheme 1). Having established the synthesis and catalytic
activity of these two classes of compounds bearing either amino or amide bonds and featuring motives
from essential α-amino acids, we turned our attention to the synthesis and investigation of their
counterparts. Structures of the two newly proposed ligand series are also depicted in Scheme 1.
Whereas the first class of compounds 3 comprises molecules bearing an amino acid residue linked by
an amino bond, the second 4 contains two imidazole groups linked by an amide bond. Here we report
the synthesis of the two new ligand classes 3 and 4, thus allowing a systematical investigation of the
amino vs. amide linkers between the α-amino acid residues and the chelating imidazole moiety (ie.
comparing series 1 vs. 3 and 2 vs. 4, respectively) and their influence on the catalytic activity in
chosen asymmetric reactions.
Scheme 1. Known and newly proposed imidazole-based ligands.

Molecules 2008, 13
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Results and Discussion
Ligand synthesis
Our synthetic approach to the first series 3 resembles those used for the synthesis of the precedent
tridentate ligands [17]. This reaction involves a simple condensation between 2-phenylimidazole-4-
carboxaldehyde and free amines (α-amino acid esters) affording unstable imines that were directly
reduced in-situ using the H2/Pd/C system (Scheme 2, Table 1). The starting 2-phenylimidazole-4-
carboxaldehyde is accessible via condensation of dihydroxyacetone with benzamidine in liquid
ammonia and oxidation of the resulting hydroxymethyl intermediate with concentrated nitric acid [25].
The amino acid esters hydrochlorides were prepared by a known method [26], whereas the free amino
bases were liberated in-situ using triethylamine.
Scheme 2. The reductive amination leading to ligands 3a-f.
Table 1. Bidentate ligands 3a-f.
Comp.
3a
R / Source of chirality
CH3 / (S)-Alanine
Yield [%] e.e. [%] [α]D20 (c 0.05, CH3OH)
56
73
34
38
66
23
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
-8.9
-22.8
-22.0
-9.2
3b
CH(CH3)2 / (S)-Valine
3c
CH2CH(CH3)2 / (S)-Leucine
CH(CH3)CH2CH3 / (S)-Isoleucine
CH2Ph / (S)-Phenylalanine
Ph / (R)-Phenylglycine
3d
3e
-13.4
-16.7
3f
Synthesis of the second series 4 started from 2-phenyl-4-carboxylic acid 5 and its activation through
acylchlorides (Method A) or mixed anhydrides (Method B, see the Experimental section for more
details). Although alternative and more convenient methods for activation of the carboxylic function
are well known (e.g. transformation into esters or in-situ activation using DCC or CDI), we found
these methods unfeasible for 5 [24]. Thus, only 5 activated in the two ways mentioned could be
condensed with the chiral amines 6a-e (Scheme 3, Table 2) obtained from the corresponding N-Cbz-α-
amino acids and their transformation into the corresponding α-diazoketones and α-bromoketones,
respectively, followed by condensation with benzamidine. Finally, Cbz-group removal afforded the
desired free amines 6a-e [4]. In addition, the commercially available (S)-1-phenylethanamine 6f was
employed as the starting chiral amine as well as affording the bidentate ligand 4f.

Molecules 2008, 13
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Scheme 3. Synthesis of tridentate ligands 4a-e and ligand 4f.
Comparing both methods, Method B utilizing mixed anhydrides was operationally simpler,
providing also higher yields, while the yields were solely affected by the undesired formation of the
carbamic function on the imidazole nitrogen. Both the activating or condensing steps require careful
pH control. Triethylamine as a base maintained the free reactive amino group while scavenging the
hydrogen chloride produced during both reactions. The optimal pH value was revealed to be about 9
(possible risk of racemization at higher pH values).
Table 2. Tridentate 4a-e and bidentate ligand 4f.
Yield[a]
[%]
e.e.
[α]D
20
Comp.
R / Source of chirality
[%]
(c 0.05, CH3OH)
4a
4b
4c
4d
4e
4f
CH3 / (S)-Alanine
CH(CH3)2 / (S)-Valine
23/24
30/35
16/25
13/34
17/22
44/42
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
> 95
+95.6
+48.0
+48.8
+36.0
+33.0
+142.0
CH2CH(CH3)2 / (S)-Leucine
CH(CH3)CH2CH3 / (S)-Isoleucine
CH2Ph / (S)-Phenylalanine
CH3 / (S)-1-Phenylethanamine
[a] Isolated yields for Methods A/B
Asymmetric catalysis
Enantioselectivities of the ligands prepared were examined in the Henry reaction [27]. Its
asymmetric version involves a reaction between aldehyde and nitroalkane catalyzed by the chiral
ligands chelating mainly copper (II) [28, 29], zinc [30] or rare earth metal salts [31] (Scheme 4).

Molecules 2008, 13
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Scheme 4. Asymmetric version of the Henry reaction.
This reaction serves as a basic screening of the enantioselectivity giving the first insight into the
catalytic behaviour of the studied ligands. The yields and enantiomeric excesses (ee) achieved for
ligands 3a-f and 4a-f as well as for the precedent ligands 1a-f [24] and 2a-c, 2e [17] are summarized in
Table 3. When comparing the attained chemical yields for series 1 and 3, we can deduce that the
amines (series 3) are more efficient catalysts/bases than less nucleophilic amides (series 1).
Table 3. The Henry reaction – yields and enantiomeric excesses.
Yield
[%]
ee
Yield
[%]
ee
Lig.
R
Y
Lig.
R
Y
[%]
[%]
10
7
4a
4b
3a
3b
CH3
H, H
H, H
H, H
98
96
94
97
95
CH3
CH(CH3)2
O
O
94
91
94
89
99
91
94
95
96
-
10
6
CH(CH3)2
15
10
14
9
4c
3c
CH2CH(CH3)2
CH2CH(CH3)2
CH(CH3)CH2CH3
CH2Ph
O
14
8
4d
3d
CH(CH3)CH2CH3 H, H
O
4e
3e
CH2Ph
Ph
H, H
H, H
O
O
15
5
4f
3f
93
79
see Scheme 3
CH3
O
2a[b]
2b[b]
2c[b]
2d[c]
2e[b]
1a[a]
1b[a]
1c[a]
1d[a]
1e[a]
1f[a]
CH3
H, H
H, H
H, H
13
13
15
-
1
84
85
91
90
70
3
CH(CH3)2
CH2CH(CH3)2
CH(CH3)CH2CH3
CH2Ph
O
CH(CH3)2
8
O
CH2CH(CH3)2
4
O
CH(CH3)CH2CH3 H, H
CH2Ph H, H
3
O
96
19
4
Ph
O
[a] Taken from Ref. [24] [b] Taken from Ref. [17] [c] No available data.
Although the enantiomeric excesses for both series are poor, the attained ee values have the same
trend as those for the chemical yields. As a general trend, the attained ee’s increase throughout the data
in Table 3 along with an increased bulk of the substituent R (e.g. the highest ee measured for
derivatives with bulky benzyl group – ligands 3e and 4e). Comparison of the chemical yields for series
2 and 4 is less straightforward. The catalytic activity/basicity of the tridentate ligands is most likely

Molecules 2008, 13
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given by the presence of two imidazole moieties. However, the attained enantiomeric excesses were
slightly higher for the amines (series 2).
Conclusions
We have synthesized two new classes of compounds bearing either amino or amide bonds. The first
series 3, where an imidazole ring and α-amino acid ester auxiliaries were linked via an amine, was
obtained by the simple reductive amination. The second series 4 was comprised of tridentate ligands
containing two 2-phenylimidazole groups bonded through an amide bond. Tridentate ligands 4e-f were
prepared from the corresponding 2-phenyl-4-carboxylic acid employing two activation methods
followed by condensation with either synthetically accessible or commercially available amines. The
method of activation utilizing benzylchloroformate (Method B) proved to be more efficient than the
method proceeding through the corresponding acylchloride (Method A). The optical purities of
compounds 3a-f as well as 4a-f preserve those from the starting α-amino acids or amines used (as
determined by 1H-NMR spectra measured with Mosher’s acid; for representative 1H-NMR spectra see
Figures 1 and 2).
1
Figure 1. H-NMR spectra of (S)-4b measured with (R)-Mosher’s acid (d6-acetone) used
for the ee’s determination.

Molecules 2008, 13
Figure 2. 1H-NMR spectra of (rac)-4b measured with (R)-Mosher’s acid (d6-acetone) used
2332
for the ee’s determination (compare in particular the 2-H signals with (S)-4b on the Figure
1).
The enantioselectivity of both ligand series were examined in the Henry reaction. Whereas the
amines as well as the amides were able to catalyze the reaction, both compared amine series (2 and 3)
revealed to be more efficient catalysts (stronger bases), while higher yields were observed. In general,
the attained enantiomeric excesses were poor nevertheless higher ee’s were measured for the amines as
well as for the ligands bearing bulkier substituents.
Experimental
General
The 2-phenylimidazole-4-carbaldehyde [25], α-amino acid esters [26], 2-phenylimidazole-4-
carboxylic acid (5) [24] and chiral amines 6a-e [4] were synthesized according to literature procedures.
(R)-Mosher’s acid refers to (R)-(+)-α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid (Aldrich). The
Henry reaction was carried out under the conditions given in [17]. Reagents and solvents (reagent
grade) were purchased from Aldrich or Fluka and used as received. THF was freshly distilled from
Na/benzophenone under N2. Evaporation and concentration in vacuo were performed at water aspirator

Molecules 2008, 13
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pressure. The reductive aminations were carried out in a ROTH pressure vessel. Column
chromatography (CC) was carried out with SiO2 60 (particle size 0.040-0.063 mm, 230-400 mesh;
Merck) and commercially available solvents. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was conducted on
aluminium sheets coated with SiO2 60 F254 obtained from Merck, with visualization by UV lamp (254
or 360 nm). Melting points (M.p.) were measured on a Büchi B-540 melting-point apparatus in open
1
13
capillaries and are uncorrected. H- and C-NMR spectra were recorded in CD3OD at 500 MHz or
125 MHz, respectively, with Bruker AVANCE 500 instrument at 20 °C. Chemical shifts are reported
1
13
in ppm relative to the signal of Me4Si. Residual solvent signals in the H and C-NMR spectra were
1
used as an internal reference (CD3OD – 3.31 and 49.15 ppm for H- and 13C-NMR, respectively).
Coupling constants (J) are given in Hz. The apparent resonance multiplicity is described as s (singlet),
br s (broad singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet) and m (multiplet). 2-Phenyl protons in
compounds 3a-f and 4a-f were marked as ArH. 5-Imidazole protons in compounds 4a-e were marked
as HImL/HImR (left/right imidazole ring according to the scheme in Table 3). Additional NMR
1
techniques such as H-1H COSY, HMBC, and HMQC spectra were further used for regular signal
assignment (especially for distinguishing HImL and HImR signals in compounds 4a-f, and for regular
carbon assignment). Optical rotation values were measured on a Perkin Elmer 341 instrument,
concentration c is given in g/100 mL CH3OH. The enantiomeric excesses were determined by chiral
HPLC analysis on a Daicel Chiracel OB column and simultaneously deduced from [α] values [17].
General method for reductive amination. Preparation of 3a-f
Catalyst - Pd/active carbon (0.05 g; 10%, Aldrich®) was added to a solution of 2-phenylimidazole-
4-carbaldehyde (0.40 g; 2.3 mmol) and α-amino acid ester (2.3 mmol) in dry methanol (15 mL) and
triethylamine (0.35 mL; 2.4 mmol). The solution was degassed and saturated with hydrogen in an
autoclave at 1 MPa at 55 °C for 2 h. The catalyst was filtered off, washed with methanol and the
filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by CC (SiO2; ethyl acetate/methanol
4:0.7).
(2S)-Methyl 2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]propanoate (3a). Prepared from (S)-alanine
methyl ester hydrochloride in 56% yield; m.p. 145-146 ºC; [α]D20 = -8.9 (c 0.05, CH3OH); 1H-NMR: δ
= 1.34 (3H, d, J = 7.0, CH3), 3.50 (1H, q, J = 7.0, CHNH), 3.70 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.77 (1H, d, J = 13.8,
CH2NH), 3.83 (H, d, J = 13.8, CH2NH), 7.07 (1H, s, HIm), 7.37 (1H, t, J = 7.4, ArH), 7.44 (2H, t, J =
7.4, ArH,), 7.85 (2H, d, J = 7.4, ArH); 13C-NMR: δ = 18.5 (CH3), 44.5 (CH2NH), 52.7 (OCH3), 56.60
(CHNH), 122.1 (C5Im), 126.5 (ArH), 130.0 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 131.4 (Arq), 137.6 (C4Im), 148.3
(C2Im), 176.4 (COOCH3); Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C14H17N3O2: C 64.85, H 6.61, N 16.20;
found: C 64.90, H 6.58, N 16.23.
(2S)-Methyl 3-methyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]butanoate (3b). Prepared from (S)-
valine methyl ester hydrochloride in 73% yield; m.p. 141-142 ºC; [α]D20 = -22.8 (c 0.05, CH3OH); 1H-
NMR: δ = 0.91 (3H, d, J = 6.9, (CH3)2), 0.94 (3H, d, J = 6.9, (CH3)2), 1.91-1.97 (1H, m, CH(CH3)2),
3.11 (1H, d, J = 5.8, CHNH), 3.65 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.67 (1H, d, J = 14.0, CH2NH), 3.77 (1H, d, J =
14.0, CH2NH), 6.99 (1H, s, HIm), 7.36 (1H, t, J = 7.5, ArH), 7.42 (2H, t, J = 7.5, ArH), 7.84 (2H, d, J =

Molecules 2008, 13
2334
13
7.5, ArH); C-NMR: δ 19.3 ((CH3)2), 32.7 (CH(CH3)2), 45.3 (CH2NH), 52.4 (OCH3), 67.5 (CHNH),
122.2 (C5Im), 126.4 (ArH), 129.8 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 131.6 (Arq), 138.2 (C4Im),148.1 (C2Im), 176.5
(COOCH3); Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C16H21N3O2: C 66.88, H 7.37, N 14.62; found: C 66.91,
H 7.33, N 14.60.
(2S)-Methyl 4-methyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]pentanoate (3c). Prepared in 34%
20
yield from (S)-leucine methyl ester hydrochloride; m.p. 115-117 °C; [α]D = -22.0 (c 0.05, CH3OH);
1H-NMR: δ = 0.85 (3H, d, J = 6.6, (CH3)2), 0.92 (3H, d, J = 6.6, (CH3)2), 1.47-1.52 (2H, m, CH2CH),
1.66-1.70 (1H, m, CH(CH3)2), 3.38 (1H, t, J = 7.2, CHNH), 3.67 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.68 (1H, d, J = 13.9,
CH2NH), 3.79 (1H, d, J = 13.9, CH2NH), 7.01 (1H, s, HIm), 7.37 (1H, t, J = 7.5, ArH), 7.44 (2H, t, J =
13
7.5, ArH), 7.84 (2H, d, J = 7.2, ArH); C-NMR: δ = 23.0 (CH3)2), 23.1 (CH3)2), 26.2 (CH(CH3)2),
43.7 (CH2CH), 45.0 (br, CH2NH), 52.4 (OCH3), 60.2 (CHNH), 122.2 (C5Im), 126.5 (ArH), 129.9
(ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 131.6 (Arq), 148.2 (C2Im), 177.2 (COOCH3), C4Im is missing; Elemental analysis
(%) calcd. for C17H23N3O2: C 67.75, H 7.69, N 13.94; found: C 67.73, H 7.72, N 13.98.
(2S,3S)-Methyl 3-methyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]pentanoate (3d). Prepared from
20
(2S,3S)-isoleucine methyl ester hydrochloride in 38% yield; m.p. 93-98 °C; [α]D = -9.2 (c 0.05,
1
CH3OH); H-NMR: δ = 0.87-0.93 (6H, m, CHCH3 and CH2CH3), 1.17-1.24 (1H, m, CH2CH3), 1.50-
1.55 (1H, m, CH2CH3), 1.70-1.72 (1H, m, CHCH3), 3.23 (1H, d, J = 5.7, CHNH), 3.65 (3H, s, OCH3),
3.67 (1H, d, J = 14.0, CH2NH), 3.77 (1H, d, J = 14.0, CH2NH), 6.99 (1H, s, HIm), 7.36 (1H, t, J = 7.4,
ArH), 7.43 (2H, t, J = 7.4, ArH), 7.84 (2H, d, J = 7.8, ArH); 13C-NMR: δ = 12.0 (CH2CH3), 15.9
(CHCH3), 27.1 (CH2CH3), 39.7 (CHCH3), 45.3 (CH2NH), 52.1 (OCH3), 66.1 (CHNH), 122.2 (C5Im),
126.7 (ArH), 129.9 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 131.6 (Arq), 148.2 (C2Im), 176.4 (COOCH3), C4Im is missing;
Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C17H23N3O2: C 67.75, H 7.69, N 13.94; found: C 67.72, H 7.73, N
13.96.
(2S)-Methyl 3-phenyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]propanoate (3e). Prepared from
20
(S)-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride in 66% yield; m.p. 165-166 °C; [α]D = -13.4 (c 0.05,
1
CH3OH); H-NMR: δ = 2.94 (2H, 2, J = 9.7, CH2Ph), 3.58 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.61 (1H, t, J = 7.1,
CHNH), 3.68 (1H, d, J = 14.0, CH2NH), 3.78 (1H, d, J = 14.0, CH2NH), 6.92 (1H, s, HIm), 7.14-7.30
13
(5H, m, Ph), 7.36 (1H, t, J = 7.0, ArH), 7.43 (2H, t, J = 7.7, ArH), 7.81 (2H, d, J = 7.3, ArH); C-
NMR: δ = 40.4 (CH2Ph), 45.2 (br, CH2NH), 52.3 (OCH3), 63.3 (CHNH), 122.3 (C5Im), 126.5 (ArH),
127.9 (Ph), 129.6 (Ph), 129.9 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.4 (Ph), 131.5 (Arq), 138.6 (Phq), 148.2 (C2Im),
176.0 (COOCH3), C4Im is missing; Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C20H21N3O2: C 71.62, H 6.31, N
12.53; found: C 71.65, H 6.25, N 12.59.
(2S)-Methyl 2-phenyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylamino]ethanoate (3f). Synthesized from
20
(S)-glycine methyl ester hydrochloride in 23% yield; m.p. 157-158 °C; [α]D = -16.7 (c 0.05,
1
CH3OH); H-NMR: δ = 3.63 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.73 (2H, s, CH2NH), 4.47 (1H, s, CHNH), 7.00 (1H, s,
13
HIm), 7.28-7.44 (8H, m, ArH and Ph), 7.84 (2H, d, J = 7.4, ArH); C-NMR: δ = 44.3 (CH2NH), 52.8
(OCH3), 65.7 (CHNH), 122.4 (C5Im), 126.5 (ArH), 129.7 (Ph), 129.5 (Ph), 129.9 (Ph), 130.0 (ArH),

Molecules 2008, 13
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130.1 (ArH), 131.5 (Arq), 139.1 (Phq), 148.3 (C2Im), 174.6 (COOCH3), C4Im is missing; Elemental
analysis (%) calcd. for C19H19N3O2: C 71.01, H 5.96, N 13.08. Found: C 71.07, H 6.03, N 12.99.
General procedure for the preparation of 4a-f
Method A
Thionyl chloride (5 mL; 69 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred and ice-cooled suspension of 5
(1.0 g; 5.3 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 6 h, all of the volatiles
evaporated in vacuo and the crude acylchloride used in the next step without further purification. A
solution of the amine 6a-f (4.7 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred and ice-
cooled solution of the above acylchloride (1 g; 4.8 mmol) in dry THF (180 mL), followed by gradual
addition of triethylamine (1.5 mL, 10.7 mmol) as rapidly as pH doesn’t exceed 7. The reaction mixture
was stirred for 12 h at 25 ºC, the precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride filtered off, the filtrate
concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by CC (SiO2; ethyl acetate/methanol 4:0.7).
Method B
Benzylchlorofomate (0.97 mL 6.8 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 5 (1.0 g; 5.3 mmol)
and triethylamine (1.5 mL; 10.8 mmol) in dry THF (200 mL) under N2 at -10º. The reaction mixture
was stirred for an additional 30 min whereupon a solution of amine 6a-f (5.2 mole) in dry THF (30
mL) was added. The reaction was stirred for 12 h at 25 ºC, the precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride
filtered off, the filtrate concentrated in vacuo and the crude product purified by CC (SiO2; ethyl
acetate/methanol 4:0.7).
(1S)-2-Phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide
(4a).
This
compound was synthesized from amine 6a in yields of 23 (method A) and 24% (method B),
20
1
respectively; m.p. 134-135 °C; [α]D = +95.6 (c 0.05, CH3OH). H-NMR: δ = 1.62 (3H, d, J = 6.9,
CH3), 5.32 (1H, q, J = 6.9, CHNH), 7.08 (1H, s, HImR), 7.31-7.43 (6H, m, ArH), 7.73 (1H, s, HImL),
7.84 (2H, d, J = 7.3, ArH), 7.89 (2H, d, J = 7.1, ArH). 13C-NMR: δ = 21.2 (CH3), 44.1 (CHNH), 118.4
(C5ImR), 123.4 (C5ImL), 126.7 (ArH), 126.9 (ArH), 129.9 (ArH), 130.0 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.5
(ArH), 131.0 (Arq), 131.4 (Arq), 137.2 (C4ImL), 143.1 (C4ImR), 148.4 (C2ImR), 148.9 (C2ImL), 164.2
(CONH). Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C21H19N5O: C 70.57, H, 5.36; N, 19.59. Found: C, 70.55;
H, 5.40; N, 19.54.
(1S)-N-[2-Methyl-1-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)propyl]-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (4b).
This compound was synthesized from amine 6b in yields of 30 (method A) and 35% (method B),
20
1
respectively; m.p. 127-128 °C; [α]D = +48.0 (c 0.05, CH3OH). H-NMR: δ = 0.95 (3H, d, J = 6.7,
(CH3)2), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.7, (CH3)2), 2.29-2.35 (1H, m, CH(CH3)2), 5.04 (1H, d, J = 5.8, CHNH),
7.09 (1H, s, HImR), 7.30-7.44 (6H, m, ArH), 7.74 (1H, s, HImL), 7.85 (2H, d, J = 7.3, ArH), 7.91 (2H, d,
J = 7.2, ArH). 13C-NMR: δ = 19.4 ((CH3)2), 20.4 ((CH3)2), 34.2 (CH(CH3)2), 54.1 (CHNH), 119.2
(C5ImR), 123.1 (C5ImL), 126.4 (ArH), 126.9 (ArH), 129.9 (ArH), 130.0 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.5

Molecules 2008, 13
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(ArH), 131.1 (Arq), 131.5 (Arq), 137.5 (C4ImL), 141.1 (C4ImR), 148.2 (C2ImR), 148.8 (C2ImL), 164.6
(CONH). Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C23H23N5O: C 71.67, H 6.01, N 18.17. Found: C 71.66, H
5.97, N 18.20.
(1S)-N-[3-Methyl-1-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)butyl]-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (4c).
This compound was synthesized from amine 6c in yields of 16 (method A) and 25% (method B),
respectively; m.p. 155-157 °C; [α]D20 = +48.8 (c 0.05, CH3OH). 1H-NMR: δ = 0.99 (6H, deceptively t,
J = 6.2, (CH3)2), 1.66-1.71 (1H, m, CH(CH3)2), 1.87 (2H, t, J = 6.9, CH2CH), 5.35 (1H, t, J = 7.5,
CHNH), 7.07 (1H, s, HImR), 7.31-7.45 (6H, m, ArH), 7.73 (1H, s, HImL), 7.85 (2H, d, J = 7.2, ArH),
7.90 (2H, s, J = 7.2, ArH). 13C-NMR: δ = 22.8 ((CH3)2),, 23.3 ((CH3)2), 26.4 (CH(CH3)2), 45.4
(CH2CH), 46.4 (CHNH), 118.7 (C5ImR), 123.0 (C5ImL), 126.6 (ArH), 126.9 (ArH), 129.9 (ArH), 130.0
(ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.5 (ArH), 131.1 (Arq), 131.6 (Arq), 138.1 (C4ImL), 142.3 (C4ImR), 148.4
(C2ImR), 148.8 (C2ImL), 165.1 (CONH). Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C24H25N5O: C 72.16, H 6.31,
N 17.53. Found: C 72.15, H 6.36, N 17.50.
(1S,2S)-N-[2-Methyl-1-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)butyl]-2-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide
(4d). This compound was synthesized from amine 6d in yields of 13 (method A) and 34% (method B),
20
1
respectively; m.p. 144-145 °C; [α]D = +36.0 (c 0.05, CH3OH). H-NMR: δ = 0.93 (3H, d, J = 6.7,
CHCH3), 0.96 (3H, t, J = 7.5, CH2CH3), 1.25-1.30 (1H, m, CH2CH3), 1.68-1.73 (1H, m, CH2CH3),
2.09-2.14 (1H, m, CHCH3), 5.09 (1H, d, J = 8.2, CHNH), 7.09 (1H, s, HImR), 7.30-7.46 (6H, m, ArH),
7.73 (1H, s, HImL), 7.85 (2H, d, J = 7.4, ArH), 7.92 (2H, d, J = 7.3, ArH). 13C-NMR: δ = 11.8
(CH3CH), 16.6 (CH3CH2), 26.6 (CH2CH3), 40.4 (CHCH3), 52.8 (CHNH), 119.0 (C5ImR), 123.6
(C5ImL), 126.6 (ArH), 126.9 (ArH), 129.9 (ArH), 130.0 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.5 (ArH), 131.1 (Arq),
131.5 (Arq), 137.8 (C4ImL), 141.3 (C4ImR), 148.2 (C2ImR), 148.8 (C2ImL), 165.0 (CONH). Elemental
analysis (%) calcd. for C24H25N5O: C 72.16, H 6.31, N 17.53. Found: C 72.23, H 6.25, N 17.61.
(1S)-2-Phenyl-N-[2-phenyl-1-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide
(4e).
This compound was synthesized from amine 6e in yields of 17 (method A) and 22% (method B),
20
1
respectively; m.p. 187-188 °C; [α]D = +33.0 (c 0.05, CH3OH). H-NMR: δ = 3.23-3.35 (2H, m,
CH2Ph), 5.49 (1H, t, J = 7.3, CHNH), 6.97 (1H, s, HImR), 7.11 (1H, t, J = 7.3, Ph), 7.19 (2H, t, J = 7.3,
Ph), 7.22 (2H, d, J = 7.2, Ph), 7.32-7.44 (6H, m, ArH), 7.69 (1H, s, HImL), 7.86 (2H, d, J = 7.4, ArH),
7.89 (2H, d, J = 7.2, ArH). 13C-NMR: δ = 42.5 (CH2Ph), 50.1 (CHNH), 118.6 (C5ImR), 123.7 (C5ImL),
126.6 (ArH), 126.9 (ArH),, 127.6 (Ph), 129.4 (ArH), 129.9 (Ph), 130.0 (ArH), 130.1 (ArH), 130.5
(Ph), 131.1 (Arq), 131.5 (Arq), 137.9 (C4ImL), 139.5 (Phq), 141.6 (C4ImR), 148.4 (C2ImR), 148.8
(C2ImL),164.5 (CONH). Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for C27H23N5O: C 74.81, H 5.35, N 16.16.
Found: C 74.78, H 5.41, N 16.14.
(1S)-2-Phenyl-N-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (4f). This compound was synthesized
from commercially available (S)-1-phenylethanamine (6f) in yields of 44 (method A) and 42%
(method B), respectively; m.p. 163-164 °C; [α]D20 = +142.0 (c 0.05, CH3OH). 1H-NMR: δ = 1.55 (3H,
d, J = 7.0, CH3), 5.21 (1H, q, J = 7.0, CHNH), 7.22 (1H, t, J = 7.4, Ph), 7.31 (2H, t, J = 7.4, Ph), 7.39-
13
7.48 (5H, m, ArH and Ph), 7.72 (1H, s, HIm), 7.91 (2H, d, J = 7.1, ArH). C-NMR: δ = 22.7 (CH3),

Molecules 2008, 13
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50.2 (CHNH), 122.8 (C5Im), 126.9 (ArH), 127.3 (ArH), 128.3 (Ph), 129.7 (Ph), 130.2 (ArH), 130.6
(Ph), 131.1 (Arq), 145.2 (Phq), 148.6 (C2Im), 164.2 (CONH). Elemental analysis (%) calcd. for
C18H17N3O: C 74.20, H 5.88, N 14.42. Found: C 74.17, H 5.85, N 14.46.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic
(MSM 0021627501).
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Sample Availability: Samples of compounds 3a-f and 4a-f are available from the authors.
© 2008 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland.
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