Copper-Catalyzed Simultaneous Activation of C–H and N–H Bonds: Three-Component One-Pot Cascade Synthesis of Multi­substituted Imidazoles

A copper-catalyzed expedient, practical, and straightforward approach for the one-pot three-component modular synthesis of multisubstituted imidazoles has been described by using arylacetic acids, N-arylbenzamidines, and nitroalkanes. The reaction involves simultaneous activation of C–H and N–H bonds of arylacetic acids and N-arylbenzamidines, respectively. The use of inexpensive copper sulfate as a catalyst, readily available starting materials, and Celite-free workup makes this protocol economically viable. Multisubstituted imidazoles were obtained in moderate to good yields with significant functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity.