An efficient method for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles by three-component condensation of benzil, benzonitrile derivatives and primary amines under solvent-free conditions using molecular iodine as catalyst is described with high product yields. The significant features of the iodine-catalysed condensation are operational simplicity, inexpensive reagents, high yield of products and use of non-toxic reagents.