SULFATED TIN OXIDE: A REUSABLE AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF 2,4,5-TRIARYL-1H-IMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES

One-pot, three-component condensation of benzil/benzoin, substituted aromatic aldehydes, and ammonium acetate in an ethanol-water (1:1, v/v) solvent system using sulfated tin oxide catalyst under reflux condition afforded corresponding 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles in excellent yield. The remarkable advantages offered by this method include green and reusable catalyst, mild reaction conditions, fast reaction rate, and excellent yield of products. This novel methodology maintains atom economy and an environmentally friendly approach.