Synthesis of 4-aroyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazoles and 4-aroyl-5-aminoimidazoles

The reaction of α-(aryl)-4-morpholineacetonitriles (masked aroyl anion equivalents) with N-protected 4(5)-bromo-5(4)-nitro-1H-imidazoles gave 4-aroyl-5-nitroimidazoles which were reduced to afford 4-aroyl-5-aminoimidazoles.