Synthesis of 4-nitroimidazoles 13a-g and 14a-f. i) benzyl or alkyl bromide, K2CO3, DMF, rt → μW 80 °C, 7–98%; ii) HNO3, H2SO4, 60 °C, 64%; iii) NH2OH, MeOH, 60 °C, 37%; iv) 1 M NaOH, THF: MeOH (1:1), rt, 37%; v) oxalyl chloride, cat. DMF, DCM, 0 °C → rt; vi) NH2NH2•H2O, DCM, 0 °C, 65%.