Efficient Conversion of Tertiary Propargylamides into Imidazoles via Hydroamination–Cyclization

Abstract

A method to convert tertiary N-propargylamides into 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazoles using ammonium chloride and zinc triflate as the catalyst is reported. The method is convenient, practical and employs conventional heating. It is also applicable to N-propargyl lactams and tends to populate the so-called ‘lead-like’ chemistry space.