A convenient cyclization method leading to trisubstituted imidazoles in up to 84% yield is reported. Diverse 1-aryl-, 2-heteroaryl-substituted ethanones are converted into the corresponding α-oximino derivatives which are reduced under regioselective conditions. The obtained α-amino carbonyl intermediates are reacted with alkyl-or arylalkyl thiocyanates to directly yield C2–S-substituted imidazoles.
