This invention is directed to phenylimidazole derivatives having the formula I: wherein HET is an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group; -L- is selected from the group consisting of —CH2—CH2—, —S—CH2—, —CH2—S— and —CH═CH—, R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C6 alkyl; C1-C6 alkyl(C3-C8)cycloalkyl; C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl, CH2CN, CH2C(O)NH2, C1-C6 arylalkyl, and C1-C6 alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, and R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are selected individually from the group consisting of H, C1-C6 alkoxy and halogen, or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, which are PDE10A enzyme inhibitors useful in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and drug addiction.