Synthesis, Characterisation, and Reactivity of 1-(1-Methylimidazol-2-yl)ethenes

Abstract Thermally labile 1-(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)-ethenes, synthesised using the Wittig reaction, have been characterised as stable picrate or N-phenacyl salts. The free bases can be regenerated from the picrates on treatment with triethylamine and their reactivity with dienophiles is described.