This invention provides a two-step process for the preparation of 4-acetylimidazoles. In the first step, a 4-acylamino-5-methylisoxazole is subjected to catalytic hydrogenolysis to give a 4-amino-3-acyl-amino-3-buten-2-one. In the second step, the intermediate 3-buten-2-one compound is cyclized to a 4-acetylimidazole by treatment with a basic agent. The 4-acetylimidazoles are chemical intermediates for preparing known antisecretory agents and histamine H2 antagonists, useful for the treatment of gastric hyperacidity and peptic ulcers.