Imidazolium chloride-catalyzed synthesis of benzimidazoles and 2-substituted benzimidazoles from o-phenylenediamines and DMF derivatives

Abstract A facile, general, and economical synthesis of diversely functionalized benzimidazoles and 2-substituted benzimidazoles has been realized via the imidazolium chloride-catalyzed cyclization of o -phenylenediamines with DMF derivatives. This protocol shows a broad substrate scope for aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic amides. A series of benzimidazoles and 2-substituted benzimidazoles have been obtained in moderate to excellent yields.