Copper borate (CuB4O7)-promoted multi-component green synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazole derivatives and evidence of in situ conversion of copper borate (CuB4O7) into Cu(OAc)2 in the presence of NH4OAc.

A green, efficient, and straightforward methodology for the three-component synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazole has been developed under solvent-free conditions using unconventional CuB4O7 as a promoter. This green approach encouragingly provides access to a library of 2,4,5-tri-arylimidazole. Also, we have been able to isolate the compound (5) and (6) in situ, which provides an insight into the direct conversion of CuB4O7 into copper acetate in the presence of NH4OAc under solvent-free condition. The main advantage of this protocol includes an easy reaction procedure, short reaction time, and easy work up of the product without using any tedious separation method.