Sonochemical synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles using nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 as an effective catalyst

An efficient four-component synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles is described by one-step condensation of an aldehyde, benzil, ammonium acetate and primary aromatic amine with nanocrystalline magnesium aluminate in ethanol under ultrasonic irradiation. High yields, short reaction times, mild conditions, simplicity of operation and easy work-up are some advantages of this protocol.