The solvent-free microwave-assisted synthesis of 2,4,5-substituted and 1,2,4,5-substituted imidazoles is reported. Imidazoles are obtained as a result of the condensation of a 1,2-dicarbonyl compound with an aldehyde and an amine using acidic alumina impregnated with ammonium acetate as the solid support. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.