Convenient and efficient synthesis of tertrasubstituted imidazolethiones using new cobalt complex as catalyst under solvent- free conditions

In this research, an one- pot, three-component, efficient and environment friendly synthesis of some imidazolethiones using a new cobalt catalyst was  described. The catalyst used in this reaction is a complex of Co(II) based on 5-nitro-N1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)benzene-1,2-diamine ligand, which was first used in the synthesis of tertrasubstituted imidazolethiones. The reaction was performed under solvent-free conditions with benzoin, different arylisothiocyanates and primary aromatic amines in the presence of optimal amount of catalyst. The advantages of this method include simple procedure, short reaction time, high yields, recyclability of catalyst and the absence of any toxic and hazardous solvents.