Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
A new method for synthesizing symmetrical N-heterocyclic imidazolium salts is described. Catalytic coupling of aldimines with cyanide followed by oxidation gives alpha-diketimines, which can then be cyclized with formaldehyde in acidic media. This two-step procedure requires no chromatography and allows the synthesis of electronically diverse 1,3,4,5-tetraarylimidazolylidene carbenes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ogle et al. (2008) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: