[GRAPHICS]
The synthesis of several 4-vinylimidazoles via Stille cross-coupling reacti
ons of the corresponding protected 4-iodoimidazoles with tributylvinylstann
ane is described, These heterocyclic dienes are shown to be effective partn
ers in the Diels-Alder reaction, providing adducts in good yield acid exhib
iting useful levels of isomer selectivity and stereoselectivity (endo/exo).