One‐Pot, Two‐Step Metal and Acid‐Free Synthesis of Trisubstituted Imidazole Derivatives via Oxidation of Internal Alkynes Using an Iodine/DMSO System

Abstract

A one‐pot, two‐step, simple, efficient and eco‐friendly oxidation of internal alkynes as a key step towards the synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles, using an inexpensive I 2 /DMSO system, has been reported. This metal and acid‐free synthesis proceeded smoothly to furnish a variety of synthetically useful trisubstituted imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields. In an effort to demonstrate the potential future applications of this system, a double oxidation study was undertaken and the desired trisubstituted imidazoles obtained in good to moderate yields.