The convenient synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives catalyzed by I 2 in aqueous media

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jhet.5570430338

In the presence of catalytic amount of iodine, in THF-H₂O, the condensation of aldehydes with 1,2-phenylenediamine gave the benzimidazole derivatives under mild conditions in good yields. The method can be used for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles or 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles.