Palladium catalyzed synthesis of 4-substituted-2-phenylimidazoles from N-propargyl-benzamidine

Preliminary results of an original approach to 4-substituted-2-phenylimidazoles starting from readily available N-propargyl-benzamidine and aryl halides are reported. Best yields were obtained using aryl halides bearing an electron-withdrawing group. Plausible mechanisms are also discussed.