Facile and efficient aerobic one-pot synthesis of benzimidazoles using Ce(NO3)3·6H2O as promoter

Abstract A series of 2-substituted benzimidazoles was synthesized under aerobic conditions, by simply heating 1,2-diaminobenzene and aldehydes in DMF at 80 °C, employing Ce(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O as promoter and atmospheric air as an efficient oxidant. The procedure afforded the products from good to excellent yields. Furthermore, this new economic and eco-friendly protocol avoids the use of toxic metal catalysts, as well as additional bases and oxidants.