Synthesis of 2-aryl-4-phenyl-5-trifluoromethylimidazoles

Several 2-aryl-4-phenyl-5-trifluoromethylimidazoles have been made from the previously unknown 1-phenyl-3,3,3-trifluoro-1,2-propanedione monohdyrate. One analog, 4-phenyl-2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)imidazole, is quite acidic, exhibiting pK_a 8.1.