Aqueous synthesis of 1-H-2-substituted benzimidazoles via transition-metal-free intramolecular amination of aryl iodides

Abstract

A straightforward method has been developed for the synthesis of the benzimidazole ring system through a carbon-nitrogen cross-coupling reaction. In the presence of 2.0 equiv. of K 2CO 3 in water at 100 °C for 30 h, the intramolecular cyclization of N-(2-iodoaryl)benzamidine provides benzimidazole derivatives in moderate to high yields. Remarkably, the procedure occurs exclusively in water and doesn't require the use of any additional reagent/catalyst, rendering the methodology highly valuable from both environmental and economical points of view. © 2012 by the authors.