Reaction of 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole with alkyl halides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/BF00475324

Refluxing 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole in alcohol with alkyl halides led to low yields of N-alkylated products. Addition of base to the reaction mixture shifted the course of the reaction to form mainly N,C-dialkyl substituted products. In DMF or with an excess of alkyl halide at elevated temperature both N-mono- and N,N-dialkyl substituted materials were formed together.