Synthesis of 2-Thio- and 2-Oxoimidazoles via Cascade Addition−Cycloisomerization Reactions of Propargylcyanamides

Abstract

A methodology to generate 2-thio- and 2-oxoimidazoles through an addition-cyclization-isomerization reaction of propargylcyanamides with thiol and alcohol nucleophiles is described. In general, the reaction sequence allows for the rapid formation of highly substituted 2-thio- and 2-oxoimidazoles in good to excellent yields.