Bmim]HSO4-Catalyzed Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles as Potential Mutant Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Inhibitors

Abstract

An ecofriendly, simple, and efficient one-pot protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles by the reaction of benzil, aryl aldehydes, aliphatic or aromatic amines, and ammonium acetate, catalyzed by the acidic halogen-free ionic liquid [bmim]HSO4 under solvent-free conditions. The advantages of the proposed protocol include high yields, short reaction time, operational simplicity, and recyclability of the catalyst. Eight previously unknown tetrasubstituted imidazoles were synthesized, among which those bearing a cyclopropyl substituent on N1 can be considered as potential mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) inhibitors.