The reaction of 2-(1-imidazolyl)acetonitrile (I) with CS2 and KOH in DMF gives the dithiolate (II), which is then cyclized with 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2-di(methanesulfonyloxy)ethane (III). A column chromatography over silicagel allows the separation of the (E)- and (Z)-isomers.