An efficient method for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles using lactic acid as promoter

Synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole compounds from an aromatic aldehyde, benzil and ammonium acetate is demonstrated using biodegradable lactic acid at 160 °C. This method is a simple, environmentally benign, and works for aromatic aldehyde containing electron donating and electron withdrawing groups.