Efficient library synthesis of imidazoles using a multicomponent reaction and microwave irradiation

Optimization of Radziszewski's four-component reaction employing a microwave-assisted protocol, led to a small library of 48 imidazoles with a success rate of 65% (conversion >45%). All three diversity points of the four-component reaction were varied. Aromatic and aliphatic inputs were successfully implemented and mono-, di-, tri- and tetrasubstituted imidazoles with various substitution patterns were synthesized. Furthermore, unsymmetrical diketones could successfully be used which improved the intrinsic diversity of the method significantly. If the unsymmetrical diketone 1,2-phenylpropanedione (