Reductive cyclization of o-phenylenediamine with CO2 and BH3NH3 to synthesize 1H-benzoimidazole derivatives

ABSTRACT A simple and green protocol was developed for the reductive cyclization of o-phenylenediamine with CO2 and BH3NH3 to yield 1H-benzimidazole. The desired 1H-benzimidazole derivatives were produced under mild conditions. Mechanism investigation indicated that the coordination of o-phenylenediamine with the boron atom of BH3NH3 promoted the transfer of the formyl group to form a stable intermediate, which facilitated the intramolecular nucleophilic addition-elimination for the formation of target product. In this process, BH3NH3 served multifunctional roles, acting as a reducing agent and a formylation catalyst.