Lithiation and functionalization of 1-alkynylimidazoles at the 2-position

Functionalization reactions of 1-alkynylimidazoles involving the formation of their 2-lithio derivatives followed by addition of various electrophiles are presented. This allows access to previously unreported 1,2-dialkynylimidazoles via 1-alkynyl-2-iodoimidazoles. The use of an aldehyde or sulfonimine electrophiles allows the direct formation of bicyclic ring systems.