An efficient and simple synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles is achieved by three-component cyclocondensation of benzil, aldehyde, and ammonium acetate by using nanosilica-supported imidazolium ionic liquid as a catalyst under solvent-free conditions. The key advantages of this process are high to excellent yields, short reaction time, easy work-up, and the reusability of the catalyst.
