Acid-catalyzed synthesis of imidazole derivatives via N-phenylbenzimidamides and sulfoxonium ylides cyclization

Abstract

A straightforward method to synthesize imidazole derivatives from amidines and sulfoxonium ylides catalyzed by acids is reported in this study. Specifically, catalyzed by trifluoroacetic acid in DCE solvents can improve synthesis efficiency under metal-free conditions. A series of imidazole scaffolds were produced in good to excellent yields.