Magnetically separable and recyclable g-C3N4 nanocomposite catalyzed one-pot synthesis of substituted imidazoles

A green, reliable synthetic method and highly efficient one-pot three-component synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles from 1,2-diketones, aldehydes and ammonium acetate in the presence of recyclable magnetic graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite (Fe3O4@g-C3N4) has been developed. Various imidazole derivatives were obtained in moderate to excellent yields and high purity after recrystallization from ethanol. Interestingly, the low-cost Fe3O4@g-C3N4 a nontoxic and inexpensive catalyst showed excellent recyclability using an external magnet without loss of parent catalytic activity even after ten cycles and its provides new opportunities for the truly environmental friendliness methodology.