N-Arylimidazole synthesis by cross-cycloaddition of isocyanides using a novel catalytic system

A direct catalytic synthesis of N-arylimidazoles starting from the corresponding N-arylformamides and N-formylglycine esters is described. Application to different aryl substituted electron-withdrawing and -donating groups provided the analogous heterocyclic compounds in very high yields. The use of copper(I) oxide/proline catalysts allowed the reactions to proceed at room temperature. The first synthesis of N-arylimidazole bearing carbohydrate moieties is also described.