Synthesis of phenanthrimidazole from 9,10-phenanthraquinone and aldehydes by molecular iodine as catalyst

A new, convenient, efficient, and cost-effective one-pot synthesis of 1H-phenanthro[9,10]imidazol-2-yl from phenantherenquinone and aldehydes, using molecular iodine as catalyst is described. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure, shorter reaction times, and the use of inexpensive reagents.