Synthesis of 2-Imidazolones and 2-Iminoimidazoles

Convenient methods for the direct conversion of imidazolium salts to the corresponding 2-imidazolone or 2-imino imidazole derivatives have been developed. Treatment of the salt with commercial bleach leads to effective oxidation at C2 and the formation of the corresponding imidazolone. Alternatively, treatment of the salt with an N-chloro amide affords the corresponding protected 2-amino derivative in good yield.