Herein we report a new straightforward synthesis of cis and trans 2,5-disubstituted N,N-dialkylpiperazines, even in enantioenriched form, by reacting non-activated N-alkyl arylaziridines in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Lewis acid. A stereochemical and NMR investigation revealed useful mechanistic insights for this process.
Provided is an imidazolylbenzene compound or salt thereof that controls HCV replication and in addition is particularly capable of strongly controlling HCV replication, and is very effective in the prevention and treatment of HCV infection when used in combination with another agent for treating HCV infection such as Interferon.