An Unusual Aminal Derivative from a Misdirected Gabriel Synthesis

Abstract
N-(2-Bromoethyl)phthalimide (1) was reacted with sodium imidazolate in DMF to give the novel aminal N-[1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl]phthalimide (4a) as well as N-vinylphthalimide (3) and the desired Gabriel intermediate 2. Aminal 4a as well as heterologues 4b - d form directly from reaction of 3 with the appropriate heterocyclic sodium salt.