2-Methylimidazole is an organic compound that is structurally related to imidazole. It is highly soluble in polar organic solvents and water.  It is a precursor to a range of drugs and is a ligand in coordination chemistry.

Uses

2-Methylimidazole is used as a raw material, a chemical intermediate, and as a component in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, photographic and photothermographic chemicals, dyes and pigments, agricultural chemicals and rubber. It is also widely used as a polymerization cross-linking accelerator and a hardener for epoxy resin systems for semiconductor potting compounds and soldering masks.

2-Methylimidazole is a component of numerous polymers, including epoxy resin pastes, acrylic rubber-fluororubber laminates, films, adhesives, textile finishes and epoxy silane coatings. It is also used as a dyeing auxiliary for acrylic fibres and plastic foams.

Occurrence

Exposure to 2-methylimidazole may occur through the consumption of foods contaminated as a result of the interaction of ammonia with reducing sugars.  2-Methylimidazole may also be formed during cooking when ammonium hydroxide, glycine and monosodium glutamine are present. In an experimental study that modelled cooking and the reaction of glucose, sodium, hydrogen and different nitrogen sources, large amounts (43.2% relative weight) of 2-methylimidazole were formed when glutamate was the nitrogen source.