Catalytic method for obtaining 2-aryl-substituted imidazolines

2-Arylimidazolines were synthesized catalytically on KU-2 ion-exchange resin by condensation of esters of aromatic acids (benzoic, phenylacetic, anthranilic, salicylic, and 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylic) with ethylenediamine. From 30 to 48% of the diamide is formed in addition to the corresponding imidazolines in the condensation of the esters of benzoic and phenylacetic acids with ethylenediamine. The condensation of the esters of salicylic and 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylic acids with ethylenediamine gave quantitative yields of the monoamide, which is dehydrated to 2-arylimidazoline during vacuum distillation.