Fused imidazoles inhibit growth of human cancer cell lines, and the Hsp70 pathway in cells, and induce apoptosis.
A simple and efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles and 2-arylphenanthrimidazoles was developed using the one-pot, three-component condensation reaction of an aromatic aldehyde, benzil or 9,10-phenanthroquinone and ammonium acetate in refluxing ethanol in the presence of the catalyst sulfamic acid.