Expeditious and selective synthesis of 2,4,5-trialkyl-1H-imdazoles and benzimidazoles via multicomponent one-pot reaction catalyzed by Schiff base dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex

Imidazoles and benzimidazoles are privileged heterocyclic compounds that can be extensively found in medicinal and materials chemistry, however, the experimental procedures for their synthesis are limited to multicomponent condensation reactions and normally are strongly dependent upon the desired substitution pattern, consequently several procedures with different conditions and catalysts are available in literature. Accordingly, the development of synthetic methodologies to afford these compounds remains a very attractive research problem. In this regard, dioxomolybdenum based catalysts are emerging as versatile and non-expensive reagents for a myriad of chemically relevant transformations. Within this context, an expedient and efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-trialkyl-1H-imidazoles and benzimidazoles from a multicomponent one-pot condensation has been developed with a tridentate Schiff base dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex, resulting in an efficient, simple and readily available catalyst to promote the aforementioned reaction. This reaction offers advantages such as good to excellent yields, good selectivity of products, low catalyst loadings and simple reaction work-up.