Imidazoline

Imidazoline (dihydroimidazoles) is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle with formula C₃H₆N₂, derived from imidazole. The ring contains an imine bond, and the carbons at the 4 and 5 positions are singly bonded, rather than doubly bonded for the case of imidazole. Imidazolines are structurally related to guanidines and amidines. According to the position of the double bond, imidazolines can be classified as 2-imidazoline, 3-imidazoline, and 4-imidazoline. Among these, 2-imidazolines are the most important. 2-Imidazolines can be found in some natural products and some commercial pharmaceuticals. They also have been examined in the context of organic synthesis, coordination chemistry, and homogeneous catalysis.