Synthesis of 8-aryl-7H-acenaphtho[1,2-d]imidazoles by multicomponent reaction of acenaphthylene-1,2-dione and aromatic aldehydes with ammonium acetate catalyzed by ferric hydrogensulfate

We report a novel and efficient method of synthesis of 8-aryl-7H-acenaphtho1,2-d]imidazole derivatives, catalyzed by ferric hydrogensulfate in ethanol under reflux. A series of acenaphtho1,2-d]imidazoles was synthesized in good to excellent yields from aromatic aldehydes, acenaphthylene-1,2-dione, and ammonium acetate. The remarkable features of this novel method are high conversion and simple experimental and work-up procedures.