Nucleophilic addition to 4,5-dihydroimidazoles: a ketone synthesis via tetrahydrofolate coenzyme models

Abstract
1-Benzyl-2-alkyl-3-methyl-4,5-dihydroimidazolium salts with Grignard reagents give addition products that are hydrolysed to ketones; 4,5-dihydroimidazoles and 4,5-dihydroimidazolium salts with hydride reagents afford N-alkylated ethane-1,2-diamines.