OPTIMIZATION OF THE SYNTHESIS OF 2-SUBTITUTED BENZIMIDAZOLES CATALYZED BY AL-PILC UNDER MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

In this paper, we report an efficient and easy method for preparing 2-arylbenzimidazoles from o phenylenediamines and aldehydes under microwave irradiation and using a small amount of a new surfactant-modified Moroccan clay catalyst. The heterogeneous reaction conditions provided a very simple, environmentally-friendly, clean, economical and selective protocol for the preparation of benzimidazole derivatives. The catalyst is easily recycled, and can be reused without loss of catalytic activity.