Pyridine <i>N</i>-Oxides as Ligands in Cu-Catalyzed <i>N</i>-Arylation of Imidazoles in Water

Abstract

N-arylation of imidazoles with aryl halides catalyzed by a combination of copper(II) sulfate and 1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)-ethane-N,N'-dioxide in water afforded up to 95% yield.