CuI nanoparticles mediated expeditious synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles using molecular oxygen as the oxidant

Abstract

A general and easy method for the synthesis of several 2-substituted benzimidazoles from cyclization of o-diaminobenzenes and various aldehydes using CuI nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst is described. Short reaction times, easy and quick isolation of the products and excellent yields are the main advantages of this procedure. This CuI nanoparticles catalyst system was found to be air/O₂ stable and also used for large scale cyclization reaction with recoverable and reusable properties without loss of catalytic activity for upto six cycles.