Abstract
The first one-pot, solvent-free methodology for preparing 2-aryl-4,5-dicarbonitrile imidazoles via the reaction of 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate/nitric acid (CAN/NA) as a novel and high-performance oxidation catalyst is reported. The salient features of the described process in comparison with previous methods include one-step process, easy isolation of products, higher purity and yields, milder and cleaner conditions, short reaction time, and convenient manipulation.