Facile protocol for the synthesis of benzothiazole, benzoxazole and N-benzimidazole derivatives using rice husk derived chemically activated carbon

Abstract Here, we have demonstrated rice husk derived chemically activated carbon catalyzed synthesis of benzothiazole, benzoxazole and N-benzimidazole derivatives at room temperature in aqueous ethanol by the condensation of 2-aminothiophenol, 2-amino phenol and ortho-phenylene diamine with aromatic aldehydes respectively. The activated carbon showed excellent catalytic activity and furnished superior to excellent yields of desired products (95–98%). The catalyst was separated from reaction combination by simply filtration, washed with ethanol, dried and recycled able to at least eight runs.