1-Acyl-3-substituted imidazolium salts as highly reactive acylating agents.

Abstract

1-Acylimidazoles could be highly activated for acylation by the quarternizing with benzyl halides. 1-Acyl-3-benzylimidazolium halides [I] were powerful acylating agents. Alcohols, phenols, and amines were converted to the corresponding esters and amides in excellent yields under mild conditions.