Synthesis of 1,3-Dialkylimidazolium and 1,3-Dialkylbenzimidazolium Salts.

A number of N-alkylimidazoles and N-alkylbenzimidazoles were synthesized by reactions of imidazole and benzimidazole with alkyl halides. The reaction rate increases by a factor of 2 to 3 under conditions of microwave activation. Subsequent treatment of the resulting N-alkylazoles with alkyl halides afforded the corresponding 1,3-dialkylimidazolium and 1,3-dialkylbenzimidazolium halides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]