Synthesis of 2-(α-substituted-amidoalkyl)-imidazoles

The addition reaction of imidazolium ylides to electron-deficient imines affords orthogonally protected 2-(α-substituted-amidoalkyl)-imidazoles. This reaction serves as a method to incorporate the imidazole nucleus into amine-containing substrates under mild reaction conditions. Microwave-accelerated synthesis provides rapid and general access to a breadth of derivatives.