Nickel Borate: A New Catalyst for Heterocycles Synthesis

The synthesis of 2,4,5-Triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives is effectively accomplished via a facile and adaptable multicomponent reaction pathway. This process, catalysed by Nickel (II) borate in Acetone, involves the reaction of a 1,2-dicarbonyl compound, an aromatic aldehyde, and ammonium acetate, which functions as the in-situ ammonia source. This approach offers advantages which include simple workup, moderate to high reaction rate and satisfactory product yields.