4-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (CAS number 3468-69-8) is a trifluoromethyl substituted imidazole, a heterocyclic compound with 2 nitrogen atoms (non-adjacent) in a 5-membred ring. Imidazolyl component is presented in many biological compounds such as histidine, thus it has strong interaction with bio-organisms. Imidazole derivatives are extensively used as antimicrobials, for instance, in prochloraz (fungicide) and imazamox (herbicide).
4-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole is in the favor of core expansion for the synthesis of coordinating ligands. The amine group in 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole is reactive and can be easily modified under nucleophilic substitution. The amine can also be protected with chloromethyl methyl ether (MOMCl), with the intention to direct substitutions to land on the carbons.
A nitrogen-rich covalent organic framework based on imidazole and cyanuric chloride can efficiently capture CO2 (80.1 mL/g at 273K and 1 bar). It also catalyzes the cycloaddition of CO2 and epoxides, serving the purpose of CO2 carbon fixation.