An efficient and novel electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization of arylketones and benzylamines for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles has been developed under metal- and oxidant-free conditions. This direct C-N bond formation strategy, with a broad functional group tolerance, affords the desired imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields.
A practical synthetic method for polysubstituted imidazoles via iodine‐catalyzedaerobicoxidativecyclization of aryl ketones and benzylamines has been developed. It was found to tolerate a broad range of substrates to prepare polysubstituted imidazole derivatives in a one‐pot manner, and thus importantly allowed product diversity for imidazole chemistry. Additionally, the resultant 1,2,4‐trisubstituted