A one-pot stereoselective synthesis of novel polyfunctionalized imidazolidines

A facile, one-pot stereoselective synthesis of novel trans-4,5-dihydroxy-2-aryl-1,3-bis(heteroaryl)imidazolidines is achieved by a cyclocondensation reaction of 2 equiv of heteroarylamines with benzaldehyde derivatives, in the presence of guanidinium chloride as a polyfunctional organocatalyst, with aqueous glyoxal to afford the title products. This general protocol provides a wide range of new polyfunctionalized imidazolidines in good to high yields.