Recent advances in heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives

Abstract

Among the bioactive heterocyclic frameworks, nitrogen containing multisubstituted imidazoles are versatile building blocks of many naturally occurring products. Imidazoles possess wide range of biological properties including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive activities with potential applications in other sectors. Multicomponent reactions in combination with heterogeneous catalysts and nanocomposites have contributed significantly to organic synthesis in general and imidazoles, in particular with high functional group tolerance. Owing to their tunable properties, lower operational cost, thermal stability, recyclability, and easily separation from products, heterogeneous catalysts and nanocomposites are integral part of numerous pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and industrial processes. There has been increased focus on the development of green and sustainable catalytic procedures for the building of novel and biologically potent imidazole conjugates. This article emphasizes the recent advances in recyclable catalysts and protocols, and their merits for the synthesis of diverse multisubstituted imidazole conjugates by one-pot reaction approach and the catalyst and reactant interactions.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Heterogeneous catalysis
• multicomponent reactions
• multisubstituted imidazoles
• one-pot synthesis

Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful and thankful to the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the research facilities.

Additional information

Funding

Authors are grateful and thankful to the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) for financial support.