High-yield synthesis of novel imidazoles and triazoles from alcohols and phenols

A variety of alcohols and phenols are converted into their corresponding im idazoles and triazoles in high yields by a facile reaction with N,N-1-carbo nyldiimidazole (CDI) or N,N-1-carbonylditriazole (CDT) in acetonitrile. The reactions of allylic alcohols, enols and phenols with CDI or CDT are unpre cedented. Evidence is provided which suggests that the reaction with alcoho ls proceeds via the corresponding carbamates by an S(N)i mechanism.