A convenient method for the synthesis 1-substituted imidazoles was developed by the reaction of α-bromoketone with lithium imidazolide. The reaction gave the desired products in improved yields without the formation of 1,3-disubstituted imidazolium salts. Treatment of bromoacetaldehyde ethylene acetal, 2-(bromomethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran, and N-(bromomethyl)phthalimide with lithium imidazolide also gave the corresponding 1-substituted imidazole in good to excellent yields. Direct reaction of α-bromoketone with imidazole as control experiment afforded undesired 1,3-disubstituted imidazolium salts with the desired mono-substituted products.
