Imidazole-Catalyzed Monoacylation of Symmetrical Diamines

An imidazole-catalyzed protocol for monoacylation of symmetrical diamines has been developed. The protocol gave selective monoacylation of aliphatic (cyclic and acyclic) primary and secondary diamines. In the reaction, imidazole acts as both catalyst and a leaving group. Different monoacylated piperazines and other diamines were synthesized at room temperature in an ethanol/water solvent system.