One-Pot Three-Component Synthesis of 2,4,5-Triaryl-1 H -imidazoles in the Presence of a Molecular Sieve Supported Titanium Catalyst under Mild Basic Conditions

A series of 2,4,5-trisubstituted-imidazoles has been synthesized with good to excellent yields by the one-pot condensation reaction of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, benzaldehydes, and ammonium acetate in the presence of 4 angstrom molecular sieves modified with titanium(IV) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst could be recovered easily and reused without significant loss of activity.