A three-component reaction between 1-substituted-2-methylimidazoles, cyanophenylacetylene, and various aldehydes: Stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-(2-cyano-1-phenyl)vinyl ethers of 2-(2-hydroxyalkyl)imidazoles

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.tetlet.2013.06.095

A three-component reaction between 1-substituted-2-methylimidazoles (1-Me, Bn), cyanophenylacetylene, and aliphatic (Me, i-Pr, n-Bu) and aromatic (Ph, 4-CN-, 4-O₂N-C₆H₄) aldehydes occurs without a catalyst or solvent at room temperature (20-25 C) to afford stereoselectively (Z)-(2-cyano-1-phenyl)vinyl ethers of 2-hydroxyalkylimidazoles in 26-57% yields.