Design and Synthesis of Multipurpose Derivatives for N-Hydroxyimide and NHPI-based Catalysis Applications**

Bi- and tricyclic derivatives 1 a and 2 a (Scheme 2) combining the catalytic N-hydroxyimide NO−H unit with the imidazole moiety were designed as multipurpose derivatives and proposed as chemical tools for achieving improved homogeneous and heterogeneous aerobic oxidation catalysis. BDE tunability, formation of a ZIF and of imidazolium ionic-liquid-like materials were obtained for N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI)-based 2 a and here described.