An expedient one-pot synthesis of highly substituted imidazoles using supported ionic liquid-like phase (SILLP) as a green and efficient catalyst and evaluation of their anti-microbial activity

An efficient method for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives by a three-component condensation of benzil or 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, aldehydes and ammonium acetate using supported ionic liquid-like phase (SILLP) catalyst under ultrasonic irradiation or classical heating conditions is reported. The present methodology offers several advantages, such as excellent yields, simple procedures, short reaction times, simple work-up and mild conditions. The catalyst is easily separated from the products by filtration and also exhibits remarkable reusable activity. These highly substituted imidazoles were also evaluated for their anti-microbial activity. (C) 2013 Manouchehr Mamaghani. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.