Cp_2ZrCl_2-catalyzed synthesis of 2-aminovinyl benzimidazoles under microwave conditions

A microwave-assisted general method for the synthesis of 2-aminovinyl benzimidazoles has been developed.Treatment of the 1,2-phenylenediamines and N-arylated/N,N-dialkylated 3-aminoacroleins with bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium(IV) dichloride(Cp2Zr Cl2) as the catalyst under microwave irradiation for 3–5 min followed by in situ Mn O2 oxidation afforded thirteen 2-aminovinyl benzimidazoles in good yields.