10.1016/j.tet.2018.03.048
The study focuses on the selective synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles from α-imino ketones, which are prepared through N-heterocyclic-carbene (NHC)-catalyzed aroylation of imidoyl chlorides with aromatic aldehydes. The research outlines a straightforward methodology that involves NHC-catalyzed aroylation, followed by chemoselective reduction of the imino group, and subsequent annulation with formamide to form the imidazole ring. This approach allows the rapid and regioselective synthesis of imidazole derivatives with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The study demonstrates the substrate scope and optimization of reaction conditions, highlighting the importance of this method in creating chemical libraries for further application.