regioselectively at the 4-position of 1-(benzyloxy)imidazole by bromine-lithium exchange of 4-bromo-2-chloro-1-(benzyloxy)imidazoles, protected at C-5 with chloro or trimethylsilyl groups, followed by reaction with an electrophile. The 5-(trimethylsilyl) group was removed via base-catalyzed desilylation. Chlorine at C-2 and O-benzyl groups were removed by palladium-catalyzed hydrogenolysis.