Imidazoline
Imidazoline is a class of heterocyclic organic compounds characterized by a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms at the 1- and 3-positions and an imine (C=N) double bond at the 2-position in the parent 2-imidazoline structure (C₃H₆N₂).[1][2]
These compounds exist as tautomers and isomers, including 2-imidazolines with an imine (C=N) functionality and 4-imidazolines featuring an alkene (C=C) group, which influence their reactivity and applications. Imidazolines are important in industrial chemistry as corrosion inhibitors and surfactants, and in medicinal chemistry as pharmacophores in drugs targeting imidazoline receptors for conditions such as hypertension.
Chemical Structure and Nomenclature
Isomers
Imidazoline is a class of heterocyclic compounds characterized by a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3, with one reduced double bond relative to the fully unsaturated parent compound imidazole.[3]
The three structural isomers of imidazoline differ in the location of the double bond or imine functionality and the saturation pattern within the ring, which is numbered as N1–C2–N3–C4–C5, with N1 connected to C5. These positional isomers are traditionally named 2-imidazoline, 3-imidazoline, and 4-imidazoline based on the position of the imine or alkene group, a convention originating from early 20th-century organic chemistry literature where the isomers were distinguished by the site of partial reduction from imidazole. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommends systematic names using "dihydro-1H-imidazole" prefixes to indicate the positions of saturation, providing a more precise distinction: 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole for 2-imidazoline, 2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole for 3-imidazoline, and 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazole for 4-imidazoline.[3][2][4][5]
The 2-imidazoline isomer is the most stable and commonly encountered form, while 3- and 4-imidazolines are less stable and prone to rearrangement.[3][6]
2-Imidazoline (4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole) features an imine group at position 2 (double bond between C2 and N3) and saturation between C4 and C5. The structure is represented as:
N1(H) - C5H₂
/ \
C2 C4H₂
\ /
N3
N1(H) - C5H₂
/ \
C2 C4H₂
\ /
N3
with the double bond C2=N3, single bonds N1–C2, N3–C4, C4–C5, and N1–C5. This isomer is the most stable and commonly encountered form.[2][3]
3-Imidazoline (2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole) contains an imine at position 3 (double bond typically between N3 and C4 or equivalent tautomer) and saturation between positions 1 and 2 (N1–C2 single bond). The structure involves a double bond between C4 and C5, with the ring depicted as:
N1(H) - C5
/ \
C2H₂ C4
\ /
N3
N1(H) - C5
/ \
C2H₂ C4
\ /
N3
with the double bond C4=C5, single bonds elsewhere, and potential tautomerism affecting the imine placement. This isomer is less stable and prone to rearrangement.[3]
4-Imidazoline (2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazole) has an alkene at positions 4–5 (double bond between C4 and C5) and no imine group, resulting in a structure with all C–N bonds as single bonds and enamine-like character. The ring is shown as:
N1(H) - C5
/ \
C2H₂ C4
\ /
N3H
N1(H) - C5
/ \
C2H₂ C4
\ /
N3H
with the double bond C4=C5, single bonds N1–C2, C2–N3, N3–C4, and N1–C5. This isomer arises from proton shifts or rearrangements of 3-imidazoline.[3]
Bonding and Classification
Imidazolines are classified as dihydro derivatives of imidazole, specifically partial dihydro-imidazoles, where one of the double bonds in the aromatic imidazole ring is reduced, leading to a five-membered heterocyclic structure containing two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3.[2] This classification encompasses substituted variants, such as 2-alkylimidazolines (e.g., 2-methylimidazoline and 2-ethylimidazoline), which retain the core ring framework while incorporating alkyl groups at the 2-position for enhanced stability or functional diversity.[3]
The bonding characteristics of imidazolines arise from their heterocyclic nature, featuring a combination of single and double bonds within the ring. In 2-imidazolines and 3-imidazolines, the key functional group is an imine (C=N) linkage, typically at the 2-position or equivalent, which imparts partial double-bond character and planarity to the involved atoms. In contrast, 4-imidazolines possess an alkene (C=C) moiety instead, located between carbons 4 and 5, resulting in a more localized double bond without the nitrogen involvement seen in the other isomers. The hybridization reflects these features: the imine nitrogens in 2- and 3-imidazolines are sp²-hybridized, enabling π-bond formation with the adjacent carbon, while the saturated carbons (e.g., methylene groups at positions 4 and 5 in 2-imidazolines) are sp³-hybridized, contributing tetrahedral geometry.[3]
Resonance possibilities further distinguish the isomers, particularly in 2-imidazolines, which behave as cyclic amidines with delocalized electrons across the C=N and adjacent N-C bonds, stabilizing the structure through contributions from canonical forms where the double bond shifts and a positive charge resides on nitrogen. This resonance enhances electron density distribution and basicity, with the imidazolinium ion formed upon protonation exhibiting similar stabilization. In 4-imidazolines, resonance is more limited to the isolated C=C bond, lacking the heteroatom conjugation present in the imine-containing isomers.[3]
Tautomerism is prominent in 2-imidazolines, especially in amino-substituted derivatives like 2-amino-2-imidazoline, where the amino (NH₂) form predominates over the imino (C=NH) tautomer due to greater stability in the gas phase, as determined by ab initio and density functional theory calculations at levels such as B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) and MP2/6-311+G(d,p). The energy difference favors the amino tautomer by 5–14 kJ/mol, with intramolecular hydrogen bonding further reinforcing this preference; however, solvation effects can shift the equilibrium toward the imino form. This tautomerism influences overall molecular stability and reactivity, often favoring the amino configuration in isolated molecules.[7]
Synthesis
Laboratory Methods
One common laboratory method for preparing 2-imidazolines involves the cyclization of ethylenediamine with carboxylic acids or their derivatives, such as acid chlorides or esters, under heating conditions to facilitate dehydration and ring closure. This approach typically proceeds via formation of an intermediate diamide, followed by cyclodehydration, often catalyzed by acids or metal salts to enhance efficiency on a small scale. For instance, aromatic carboxylic acids condense with ethylenediamine in the presence of polyphosphoric acid or simply by refluxing in high-boiling solvents like toluene with azeotropic water removal, yielding 2-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazoles in moderate to high yields (60-90%). The general reaction can be represented as:
\text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2 + \text{R'COOH} \rightarrow \text{2-R'-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}
This method is versatile for substituted derivatives and is widely used in research for its simplicity and accessibility of starting materials. For N-substituted imidazolines, N-alkyl ethylenediamines can be employed, yielding 1-substituted products.[8][9]
Another route employs the reduction of imidazoles to the corresponding dihydro forms, targeting the C4-C5 double bond while preserving the C2 imine. Catalytic hydrogenation using Raney nickel under mild pressure (1-5 atm H₂) in ethanol or acetic acid at room temperature to 50°C selectively affords 4,5-dihydroimidazoles, particularly effective for 2-unsubstituted or 2-alkyl imidazoles, with yields often exceeding 70%. Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) in methanol or with nickel salts as co-catalysts provides an alternative metal-free reduction for sensitive substrates, avoiding over-reduction to saturated imidazolidines; this is particularly useful in small-scale syntheses where safety and mild conditions are prioritized. These reductions are conceptually straightforward but require careful control of equivalents to achieve partial saturation.[6]
Imidazolines can also be synthesized from nitriles or amidines through condensation reactions, typically involving ethylenediamine under basic or catalytic conditions. Nitriles react with ethylenediamine in the presence of catalysts like sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) or sulfur sources at 80-120°C in ethanol or without solvent, forming the 2-substituted imidazoline via imine formation and cyclization, with reaction times of 4-12 hours and yields up to 95% for aliphatic and aromatic nitriles. Amidines, derived from nitriles or directly, condense similarly, often heated in ethanol to promote ring closure. These methods are favored in laboratories for their one-pot nature and tolerance of functional groups, enabling access to diverse 2-substituted derivatives.
Recent advances include green and multicomponent syntheses, such as the oxidative cyclization of aldehydes with ethylenediamine using hydrogen peroxide and substoichiometric sodium iodide, providing 2-imidazolines in high yields under mild conditions. Additionally, rare-earth metal-catalyzed asymmetric hydroamidination of nitriles with allylamines has emerged for concise access to chiral imidazolines with high enantioselectivity.[10][11]
For chiral imidazolines, stereoselective methods leverage asymmetric catalysis to introduce enantioselectivity during cyclization or addition steps. Chiral nickel or palladium complexes with phosphine ligands catalyze the asymmetric hydroamidination of nitriles with chiral diamines, producing enantioenriched 2-imidazolines with ee values >90% under mild conditions (room temperature, toluene solvent). Examples include the use of (R)-BINAP-derived nickel catalysts for 2-alkyl imidazolines, where enantioselectivity is achieved via coordination to the metal center. These approaches are high-impact in research for ligand synthesis in asymmetric catalysis, emphasizing modular construction from prochiral precursors.[12][13]
Industrial Production
The primary industrial production of imidazoline derivatives, particularly 2-imidazolines used as surfactants and corrosion inhibitors, involves the condensation reaction of long-chain fatty acids with polyamines in a two-stage process: initial amide formation followed by cyclization with water removal.[14] This method is widely adopted for its economic viability and scalability, often conducted in batch or semi-continuous reactors to produce surfactant-grade products with yields up to 85% and purity exceeding 93%.[14] A representative example is the reaction of oleic acid or tall oil fatty acids with diethylenetriamine (DETA) in a 1:1 molar ratio, heated to 165–170°C for 18–24 hours under nitrogen atmosphere to facilitate amide formation, followed by cyclization at 177–232°C (350–450°F) to form the imidazoline ring.[14][15]
For enhanced efficiency in large-scale operations, continuous flow processes have been developed, such as those using packed reaction columns where fatty acids and N-alkylol-substituted ethylenediamines are fed continuously at temperatures of 180–250°C and reduced pressure (40–70 mmHg), achieving residence times of at least 10 minutes and yields over 95%.[16] These processes minimize batch variability and energy use, making them suitable for producing high-volume surfactant intermediates. High-pressure hydrogenation of imidazoles represents an alternative route for specific imidazoline derivatives, typically performed in industrial reactors with catalysts like palladium or nickel at 50–150 bar and 100–200°C to selectively reduce the imidazole ring, though it is less common than condensation due to higher equipment costs.[17]
Purification of crude imidazoline products to commercial grades (typically >90% purity) employs distillation under vacuum to remove unreacted polyamines and low-boiling impurities, or solvent extraction with hydrocarbons or alcohols to separate the target from amide byproducts, ensuring compliance with specifications for end-use applications like corrosion inhibition.[18] Major producers include Nouryon, which markets Armohib® series imidazolines derived from tall oil fatty acids and DETA for oilfield use, alongside BASF SE, Dow Inc., and Clariant AG, who supply customized derivatives globally.[19][20] The market for imidazoline-based corrosion inhibitors reached approximately $785 million in 2024, reflecting annual production scales in the tens of thousands of metric tons to meet demand in oil and gas sectors.[21]
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Characteristics
Imidazolines exist primarily as colorless to pale yellow liquids or low-melting solids at room temperature, with physical properties varying significantly based on isomer type and substituent groups. The parent 2-imidazoline has a melting point of 55°C and a boiling point of 219.1°C at 760 mmHg.[22] For 2-substituted derivatives, such as 2-methyl-2-imidazoline, the melting point rises to 87°C (with decomposition), while the boiling point is approximately 144°C at reduced pressure (140 mmHg), indicating atmospheric boiling points typically in the range of 100-250°C for many alkyl-substituted analogs.[23] In contrast, 1-substituted imidazolines often exhibit lower melting points and remain liquid at ambient conditions due to reduced intermolecular hydrogen bonding.[3]
Solubility profiles of imidazolines are influenced by the degree and nature of substitution, with unsubstituted or 2-alkyl variants displaying high solubility in polar solvents like water, ethanol, acetone, and chloroform owing to the polar imine and amine functionalities that enable hydrogen bonding.[24][3] For instance, 2-ethyl-2-imidazoline is freely soluble in water and common organic solvents.[25] However, N1-alkyl or aryl-substituted imidazolines show decreased water solubility (e.g., around 8 mg/L for certain 2-alkyl variants) and improved solubility in nonpolar solvents and mineral oils, reflecting their increased lipophilicity.[26][3]
Spectroscopic characterization of imidazolines reveals distinct signatures attributable to the heterocyclic ring. In infrared (IR) spectroscopy, the C=N stretching vibration appears as a strong absorption band at approximately 1647-1650 cm⁻¹, confirming the imine functionality in the ring.[27][28] Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra show characteristic ¹H NMR shifts for the ring methylene protons around 3.2-3.5 ppm, with the ethylene bridge often appearing as a singlet or multiplet near 3.3 ppm in 2-substituted derivatives.[29][30] These features are consistent across isomers, though substitution can cause slight downfield shifts of 1-4 ppm in proton signals.[31]
Common derivatives, such as those used in corrosion inhibition (e.g., N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-oleyl imidazoline), exhibit densities in the range of 0.90-1.15 g/cm³ at 20-25°C, with values around 0.929 g/cm³ for oleyl variants.[32][22] Viscosity data for these liquid derivatives typically falls between 300-400 cP at 25°C, increasing with chain length in fatty acid-derived imidazolines due to enhanced van der Waals interactions.[33] The imine bonding in the ring contributes to these traits by facilitating polar interactions that affect overall molecular packing.[3]
Reactivity and Stability
Imidazolines, as cyclic amidines featuring a characteristic C=N bond, undergo hydrolysis in both acidic and basic media, leading to ring opening and formation of linear products such as ethylenediamine derivatives and carbonyl compounds. In acidic conditions, the process is typically catalyzed, proceeding via protonation of the imine nitrogen followed by nucleophilic attack of water, resulting in a two-step mechanism: initial ring opening to an amido-amine intermediate and subsequent cleavage to diethylenetriamine (DETA) and a carboxylic acid or carbonyl equivalent, as observed in studies of 2-alkylimidazolines with half-lives ranging from 7.4 to 25.1 hours at 70°C and pH 4.1–6.0.[34][35] In basic media, hydrolysis at pH ≈12 follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with activation energies around 80–100 kJ/mol, yielding similar open-chain amidines or formamides, though rates are slower compared to acidic conditions and require elevated temperatures (25–90°C).[36][37]
The C=N bond in imidazolines serves as an electrophilic site susceptible to nucleophilic addition, forming stable adducts that often lead to ring-opened products. For instance, nucleophiles such as hydride (from NaBH4) or amines add across the C2=N bond, generating 2-substituted imidazolidines or further cleaving the ring to 1,2-ethylenediamine derivatives, a reactivity exploited in synthetic transformations of 2-aryl- or 2-alkylimidazolines.[3]
Thermal stability of imidazolines is moderate, with decomposition typically initiating above 200°C under inert atmospheres, producing volatile fragments like alkenes and amines via retro-Michael or elimination pathways, as seen in thermogravimetric analyses of alkylimidazoline derivatives. Exposure to air enhances decomposition rates due to oxidation sensitivity, lowering onset temperatures to 191–197°C and promoting oxidative cleavage of the C=N bond or side chains.[38][39] In solution, stability is influenced by pKa values of their conjugate acids, which range from 9.3 to 11.1 (e.g., pKa 11.09 for 2-methyl-2-imidazoline), indicating strong basicity and protonation at neutral to basic pH that forms resonance-stabilized imidazolinium ions, thereby enhancing solubility but increasing susceptibility to hydrolysis at lower pH.[3]
Biological Activity
Imidazoline Receptors
Imidazoline receptors are a class of non-adrenergic binding sites that mediate various physiological effects, primarily through two main subtypes: I1 and I2. These receptors are distinct from alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, although some ligands exhibit binding overlap with both. The I1 subtype is located on plasma membranes, particularly in the brainstem's rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where it plays a central role in cardiovascular regulation by inhibiting sympathetic outflow to lower blood pressure. Agonists such as clonidine bind to I1 receptors with high affinity, exemplified by a Kd of 3-6 nM for [³H]-clonidine binding. Endogenous ligands like agmatine also interact with I1 receptors. Distribution of I1 receptors extends beyond the central nervous system to peripheral sites, including the kidney and heart.[40]
The I2 subtype consists of intracellular binding sites, predominantly on the outer mitochondrial membrane and associated with monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, functioning as allosteric modulators. I2 receptors contribute to pain modulation, particularly in chronic inflammatory and neuropathic conditions, and exhibit neuroprotective effects, such as in models of cerebral ischemia through NMDA receptor modulation. Selective I2 agonists like CR4056 are currently in Phase II clinical trials for osteoarthritis pain as of 2025. These sites are widely distributed in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues like the kidney and adrenal glands. Agmatine serves as an endogenous ligand for I2 receptors, though with moderate affinity compared to selective agonists.[41][42][43]
Structure-Activity Relationships
The 2-imidazoline ring serves as a critical pharmacophore for agonism at I1-imidazoline receptors, enabling high-affinity binding and subsequent cardiovascular effects, whereas non-imidazoline structures, such as catecholamines, fail to activate these sites.[44] Substitution at the C2 position of the imidazoline ring with aromatic groups, particularly phenyl, significantly enhances potency and selectivity for I1 receptors; for instance, in the case of rilmenidine, this substitution contributes to its 3- to 10-fold greater selectivity for I1 over α2-adrenergic receptors compared to clonidine, reducing off-target sedation while maintaining hypotensive efficacy.[44][45]
For I2-imidazoline receptor binding, lipophilicity plays a pivotal role, with quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models demonstrating a strong positive correlation between ligand lipophilicity and affinity (r = 0.93 in Hansch analysis).[46] Introduction of alkyl chains increases I2 binding affinity by enhancing hydrophobic interactions within the receptor pocket, though longer chains can diminish selectivity by promoting non-specific binding.[45] In QSAR studies of I1-selective imidazoline ligands, including derivatives of imidazoline and related heterocycles, increased distribution coefficient (log D, a measure of lipophilicity) positively correlates with binding affinity (log(1/Ki)), with models achieving r² > 0.874; optimal log D values around 2-3 balance affinity for hypotensive effects (reflected in EC50 correlations via binding proxies) against excessive hydrophobicity that impairs pharmacokinetics.[47][48]
Imidazoline agonists differ structurally from classical α2-adrenergic agonists, which typically feature a phenethylamine backbone, through imidazoline-specific motifs such as the fused five-membered ring and exocyclic amines at C2 that confer preferential I1/I2 selectivity by engaging distinct binding pockets.[49] Minor alterations, like ring modifications or amine positioning, can shift affinity profiles, as seen with idazoxan derivatives that retain imidazoline antagonism but vary in α2 cross-reactivity.[49]
Applications
Pharmaceutical Uses
Imidazoline derivatives have established roles in antihypertensive therapy, primarily through their agonism at I1-imidazoline receptors in the brainstem, which reduces sympathetic nervous system outflow and lowers blood pressure. Clonidine, an imidazoline derivative, is approved for treating essential hypertension, with typical oral doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mg per day in divided administrations to achieve blood pressure control while minimizing side effects like sedation.[50][51] Similarly, moxonidine, a selective I1-imidazoline receptor agonist, is used for mild to moderate essential hypertension, often at doses of 0.2 to 0.6 mg per day, demonstrating comparable efficacy to clonidine with a potentially improved side effect profile due to lower affinity for alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.[52][53][54]
In analgesia, imidazoline compounds targeting I2-imidazoline receptors show promise for managing neuropathic pain by modulating monoamine oxidase activity and enhancing endogenous opioid analgesia without directly activating mu-opioid receptors. For instance, ligands like CR4056, an I2 receptor agonist, have demonstrated antinociceptive effects in preclinical models of chronic inflammatory and diabetic neuropathic pain, often potentiating the analgesic response when combined with opioids and reducing tolerance development during prolonged use.[42][55] Clinical trials, such as a phase 2 study in osteoarthritis patients, indicate that I2 receptor modulation can provide pain relief comparable to standard analgesics, supporting its role in combination therapies for refractory neuropathic conditions.[56]
Dexmedetomidine, another imidazoline derivative, serves as a sedative and anesthetic agent in intensive care units (ICUs), where it provides conscious sedation by agonizing alpha-2 adrenergic and imidazoline receptors, promoting a natural sleep-like state without significant respiratory depression. Administered intravenously, it typically involves a loading dose of 1 mcg/kg over 10 minutes, achieving onset of sedation within 5 to 15 minutes, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg per hour for procedural sedation or mechanical ventilation support.[57][58] This rapid onset facilitates its use in critically ill patients requiring short-term sedation, with studies showing reduced delirium incidence compared to alternatives like propofol.[59]
Emerging applications of imidazoline receptor ligands include potential roles in antidepressants and neuroprotection, currently under investigation in preclinical and early clinical trials as of 2025. I1-imidazoline agonists have exhibited antidepressant-like effects in animal models by modulating monoaminergic transmission and reducing neuroinflammation, suggesting synergy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.[60] For neuroprotection, I2 receptor ligands demonstrate promise in mitigating neuronal damage in models of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases through anti-apoptotic mechanisms and enhanced monoamine oxidase inhibition, with 2025 studies exploring novel ligands for these neurodegenerative disorders.[61][62][63][64]
Industrial and Other Applications
Imidazolines, particularly fatty acid-derived variants such as those from tall oil fatty acids and diethylenetriamine, serve as effective corrosion inhibitors in oilfield applications by adsorbing onto metal surfaces through their polar imidazoline head groups, with hydrophobic tails forming protective films that mitigate corrosion in harsh environments like CO2-saturated brines.[19][65] These inhibitors are commonly deployed at concentrations of 0.25-0.5% in formulations for produced fluids and pipelines, enhancing asset integrity in sweet and sour conditions.[35] Commercial examples include Nouryon's Armohib CI-200 series, which demonstrate high film persistence via atomic force microscopy analysis.[19]
Quaternary imidazolinium salts, derived from imidazolines, function as cationic surfactants in fabric softeners and textile treatments, imparting antistatic properties and improving fabric handle by reducing surface friction.[66] These compounds are widely incorporated into household and industrial softener formulations, such as Sanyo Chemical's CATION SF-75PA, which is based on palm oil fatty acids for effective softening without residue buildup.[67] Their amphiphilic nature enables emulsification and dispersion in laundry products, enhancing overall performance in antistatic applications for synthetic fibers.[68]
Chiral 2-imidazolines act as ligands in metal-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis, facilitating enantioselective reactions such as hydrogenation by coordinating with transition metals to induce stereoselectivity.[13] For instance, (R,S)-4,5-dihydro-4,5-diphenyl-2-(6-cyanopyridinyl)imidazoline stabilizes platinum nanoparticles on ZrO2 supports, enabling the enantioselective hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione to (R)-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone with ~30% enantiomeric excess under mild conditions (40 bar H2, 298 K).[69] Similarly, iridium complexes with chiral 2-pyridyl imidazolines catalyze the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of quinoline derivatives, achieving high enantioselectivities in organic synthesis routes.[70]
The global market for imidazoline derivatives in industrial applications, particularly as corrosion inhibitors, was valued at approximately $1.26 billion in 2024, reflecting substantial production and demand driven by oil and gas sector needs.[71]