Microwave assisted N-propargylation of imidazole using alkaline promoted carbons Original Research Article

Two basic activated carbons (Na+ and Cs+-Norit) have been used as catalysts in the synthesis of N-propargyl imidazole. The effect of the microwave irradiation has been studied. Under the experimental conditions used higher yields and selectivities of N-propargyl imidazole than those obtained using other basic media were reached. The carbons were characterized by thermal analysis, nitrogen adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Most of the basic sites in the promoted carbons have 13.3≤pKa≤16.5. The order or basicity is Na+-Norit