Imidazole derivatives as the organic precursor of ZnO nano particle

N1-Hydroxy-2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles were synthesized starting from 1,2-diketones. The crystal structure of 4,5-dimethyl-2-(3-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-ol has been determined. An unusual intermolecular hydrogen bonding through the association of water molecule has been reported. These imidazole derivatives can be thought of as the organic precursor for the synthesis of zinc oxide nano particles.