Synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles using a potent, green and reusable nano catalyst (FHS/SiO2)

A simple, green and efficient method for synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles is described via three-component cyclocondensation of benzil or benzoin, aldehyde and ammonium acetate by using the nano SiO2-supported ferric hydrogen sulfate (FHS/SiO2), as a catalyst, under solvent-free conditions. The nano SiO2 support and catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and IR spectroscopy. In this project, the optimum conditions such as: reaction temperature, reaction time and amount of catalyst were investigated. The major advantages of the present method are high yields, shorter reaction times, easy work-up, purification of products by non-chromatographic method and the reusability of the catalyst.