Simple and efficient method for the synthesis of highly substituted imidazoles using zeolite-supported reagents

Cu(II) nitrate impregnated zeolite has been used as an efficient supported reagent for an improved and rapid one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles in excellent yields. Condensation in the presence of supported reagents with operational simplicity, inexpensive reagents, high yield of products, and the use of non-toxic reagents makes this synthetic protocol, an attractive one. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.