Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2-unsubstituted, N-substituted benzimidazoles

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo902160y

(Chemical Equation Presented) An efficient copper-catalyzed intramolecular arylation of formamidines forming 2-unsubstituted benzimidazoles in excellent yields is reported. Sixteen examples bearing sterically demanding substituents on nitrogen like Mes, 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, or 2-tert-butylphenyl and tolerating various functional groups demonstrate the utility of this method.