Synthesis of tri- and tetra- phenyl substituted 1H-imidazoles in the presence of chitin and pectin as natural catalyst

Chitin and pectin are important natural polymers which are used as natural catalyst for synthesis of tri- and tetra- phenyl substituted 1H-imidazoles. The reaction of benzil and aromatic aldehydes with ammonium acetate in the presence of chitin produces 2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazoles and the reaction of benzil, aromatic aldehydes and aniline derivatives with ammonium acetate in the presence of pectin produces 1,2,4,5-tetraphenyl-1H-imidazoles, respectively. The results show that synthesis of 2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazoles and 1,2,4,5-tetraphenyl-1H-imidazoles can be catalyzed by chitin and pectin in an effective route, respectively. All synthesized compounds are in good agreement with previously reported compounds. In conclusion, an efficient methodology has been carried out to generate 2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazoles and 1,2,4,5-tetraphenyl-1H-imidazoles, by using non-toxic, cheap and in available catalysis (chitin and pectin).