Efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl substituted imidazoles under solvent free conditions at room temperature

A range of 2,4,5-triaryl substituted imidazoles have been synthesized in very good yields under solvent-free conditions by grinding 1,2-diketones, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate in the presence of molecular iodine as catalyst. The short reaction time, cleaner reaction, and easy workup make this protocol practical and economically attractive.