Synthesis of imidazole 1-oxides from 1,2-diimines

Various 3-substituted imidazole 1-oxides have been prepared by reaction of a 1,2-dicarbonyl compound mono- or di-imine with an oxime. The structure of the oxime determines the imidazole C-2 substituent whilst the structure of the mono- or di-imine determines the substitution patterns at N-3, C-4 and C-5.