Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation process for 2-substituted 5-formylimidazoles, wherein the intermediate high-pressurized synthesis of an 2-substituted 4-hydroxymethylimidazole as known in the art is conveniently avoided, and wherein much higher yields are obtained. Instead, it is proposed to prepare such 2-substituted 5-formylimidazoles via a one-pot synthesis involving 2-substituted 4-chloro-5-formylimidazole, thereby employing an additional hydrodehalogenation step. Moreover, it is found that the yield and purity of 2-substituted 4-chloro-5-formylimidazole itself can be significantly improved using a triflate catalyst in the preparation process.