Novel synthesis of N-unsubstituted imidazoles via the cycloaddition of N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)imines and TosMIC

Abstract A facile and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of N-unsubstituted imidazoles via the cycloaddition of N-sulfinyl imines and p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC). This methodology is operationally simple and useful for the preparation of various aromatic and heteroaromatic imidazoles in good to excellent yields.