One-Pot NBS-Promoted Synthesis of Imidazoles and Thiazoles from Ethylarenes in Water

Abstract

A facile and eco-friendly method has been developed for the synthesis of imidazoles and thiazoles from ethylarenes in water. The reaction proceeds via in situ formation of α-bromoketone using NBS as a bromine source as well as an oxidant, followed by trapping with suitable nucleophiles to provide the corresponding products in good yields under metal-free conditions.