Copper(II)/polyimide linked covalent organic framework as a powerful catalyst for the solvent-free microwave irradiation-based synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles.

Copper(II)/polyimide-linked covalent organic frameworks under solvent-free and microwave-assisted conditions have been used in an efficient one-pot protocol for the preparation of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles via benzil, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate. By applying solvent-free conditions and microwave irradiation, three-component condensation provides safe operations, low pollution, quick access to products, and an easy set-up. As a result of its reusability, the catalyst can also be reutilized for many runs without missing any activity.