Studies in heterocyclics: novel synthesis of 4,5-diarylimidazoles

Abstract

A novel synthesis of substituted 4,5-diarylimidazoles from N-(arylmethylene) methylamine N-oxides and cold aqueous ethanolic potassium cyanide is reported. A mechanism for the reaction is suggested. All the imidazoles have been screened for antibacterial, fungicidal and insecticidal activity.