Synthesis of 1,2,4-Trisubstituted Imidazoles via Sequential Staudinger/aza-Wittig/Aromatization Reaction

Abstract

An efficient and convenient route for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives was described. Benzamide derivatives containing alkenylazide as the basic raw materials were treated with triphenyl phosphorus, and subsequently 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives were synthesized by a sequential Staudinger/aza-Wittig/aromatization reaction. The reaction is characterized by cheap and easy to obtain starting materials, mild reaction conditions, metal-free catalysts, and simple operation. It is an ideal and efficient synthesis strategy of 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazole heterocyclic compounds.