From Lab to Life: The Journey of Imidazoles Through Advanced Synthesis and Vital Biological Applications (Comprehensive Review)

Abstract

The heterocyclic compound family is the most prevalent category of organic compounds and plays indispensable roles in our daily lives. Imidazoles are a significant class of heterocycles that garnered significant attraction because of their wide range of biological activities and therapeutic potential. They are a component of numerous important biomolecules including the imidazole alkaloids, biotin, and the vital amino acid histidine and its related compounds. These compounds have demonstrated efficacy in treating conditions ranging from hypertension and neuropathic pain to infectious diseases and cancer. The imidazole scaffold serves as a key building block in drug design and discovery. These compounds can be synthesized using various techniques and their diverse structural reactions provide a wealth of opportunities in medicinal chemistry. The purpose of this study is to examine the chemistry of imidazole derivatives and their importance in medicinal chemistry during the last decade. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.