Facile One Pot Multi-Component Solvent-Free Synthesis of 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Imidazoles Using “Green” and Expeditious Ionic Liquid Catalyst under Microwave Irradiation

Abstract

Acetic acid functionalized poly(4-vinylpyridinium) bromide is a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for the construction of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives by a three-component condensation of benzyl with various aldehydes and ammonium acetate under solvent free conditions. The microwave initiated process leads to analytically pure compounds within 2–5 min. The advantages of this “green” methodology are cost-effectiveness, simple procedure, low energy consumption, no involvement of organic solvents, safe operation, clean reaction profile, high yields, and recyclability of the catalyst.