New Method for the Synthesis of Diversely Functionalized Imidazoles from N-Acylated α-Aminonitriles

[reaction: see text] A new general method for the synthesis of medicinally important diversely functionalized imidazoles from N-acylated alpha-aminonitriles has been developed. N-Acylated alpha-aminonitriles were reacted with triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrahalide to afford 2,4-disubstituted 5-halo-1H-imidazoles in good yield. This new methodology was applied for the synthesis of 2-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethylimidazole. These halo-imidazoles can be directly converted to 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles through palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions.