One-pot multi-component synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles using sulfonic acid-functionalized pyridinium chloride as an efficient and recyclable catalyst

Abstract

Sulfonic acid-functionalized pyridinium chloride ionic liquid {[Pyridine–SO3H]Cl} can effectively promote the one-pot multi-component condensation reaction between benzil, aldehydes, primary amines and ammonium acetate under solvent-free conditions at 100 ºC to give the desired 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles, in high yields and short reaction times.