Novel C-2 substituted 4,5-dihydroimidazoles and imidazoles bearing an N-linked stereogenic group were rapidly prepared from a chiral primary amine. Quaternization of these derivatives resulted in a range of scalemic room temperature ionic liquids. The ability of the imidazolium species to act as reaction medium and/or phase transfer catalyst was also assessed. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Novel C-2 substituted 4,5-dihydroimidazoles and imidazoles bearing an N-linked stereogenic group were rapidly prepared from a chiral primary amine. Quaternization of these derivatives resulted in a range of scalemic room temperature ionic liquids. The ability of the imidazolium species to act as reaction medium and/or phase transfer catalyst was also assessed. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.