A simple and straightforward method for one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles using titanium dioxide as an eco-friendly and recyclable catalyst under solvent-free conditions

Titanium dioxide has been found to be a mild and effective catalyst for the straightforward and efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles by three-component, one-pot condensation of 1,2-diketones, aryl aldehydes and ammonium acetate under solvent-free conditions. The operational simplicity, good yield of products, and the use of non-toxic, inexpensive and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst makes this environmentally benign three-component one-pot cyclo-condensation reaction as an attractive method.