Imidazole derivative, its preparation and antipsychotic agent containing the same

NEW MATERIAL: A compound of formula I (wherein R 1 is H, a 1-10C hydrocarbon group which may be substituted, a heteroaryl, a cyclic ether group or the like; one or more R 2 s are present, each R 2 is H, a halogen, NH 2 which may be substituted, NO 2 , N 3 , NCS, CN, a 1-10C alkyl which may be halogenated, OR 1 or the like; R 3 is H, a 1-6C alkyl, a 1-6C alkoxyalkyl; R 4 is COOR 5 , CONR 6 R 7 , CN or a group of formula II or III; R 5 is H, a 1-6C alkyl; R 6 to R 8 are each H, a 1-7C alkyl, a cycloalkyl, provided that NR 6 R 7 is a saturated five- or six-membered ring which may contain other hetero atoms). EXAMPLE: 4-(3-Ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)imidazole. USE: An antipsychotic agent, especially tranquilizer. PREPARATION: A compound of formula IV is reacted with a compound of formula V (wherein X and Y are each an eliminable group) at a temperature of 0-150°C in the presence of an acid to obtain a compound of formula I. COPYRIGHT: (C)1989,JPO