Four-Component, One-Pot Synthesis of Tetra-Substituted Imidazoles Using a Catalytic Amount of MCM-41 or p-TsOH

An improved and rapid one-pot synthesis of tetrasubstituted imidazoles by condensing benzil, ammonium acetate, amines, and aromatic aldehydes and using a catalytic amount of silica structure MCM-41 or p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) as efficient, green, reusable catalysts in excellent yields is reported.