A Simple Synthesis of New Push-Pull Substituted Imidazoles by Chemoselective Nucleophilic Attack of α-Cyano Epoxides.

Abstract A chemoselective reaction of amidines or guanidines with α-cyano epoxides leads to new 4-amino-5-carbethoxy or 4-hydroxy-5-cyano or 4-carbethoxy-5-aryl- imidazoles depending on the steric hindrance of the epoxides and on the reaction medium.