Dihydroimidazoles in synthesis: C-acylation of lithiodihydroimidazoles
Abstract
1-Benzyl-2-methyl-4,5-dihydrpimidazole has been lithiated and C-acylated by reaction with esters and a nitrile. The products do not exist as 2-(2-oxoalkyl)dihydroimidazoles but as the alternative tautomers, as indicated by spectroscopic and crystallographic data.