Microwave-assisted Sonogashira coupling of novel 2-(6-(arylethynyl)pyridin-3-yl)-1H-benzimidazole derivatives

A rapid and efficient method for the synthesis of novel 2-(6-(arylethynyl)pyridin-3-yl)-1H- benzimidazole derivatives under microwave-assisted Sonogashira coupling conditions has been developed. The method avoids the use of protecting groups for benzimidazole NH during Sonogashira coupling. The microwave-assisted method reported herein offers advantageous shorter reaction times, higher yields and is applicable to a large set of substrates.