Imidazoles are a class of organic compounds characterized by a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms. They are part of a larger group known as heterocycles, which are compounds that contain atoms of at least two different elements in their ring structure. Imidazoles are commonly found in various biological systems and are important in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. These compounds play a crucial role in many biochemical processes, including the function of histidine, an essential amino acid. Imidazoles are also used in the development of antifungal medications and other therapeutic agents, making them significant in medicinal chemistry and drug design.