An efficient synthesis of Benzimidazole by cyclization–oxidation processes using Fe/MgO as a heterogeneous recyclable catalyst

Ashok V. Borhade*, Dipak R. To

Abstract

A convenient and straightforward method has been developed for the synthesis of benzimidazole using aryl aldehydes and o-phenylene diamine in the presence of Fe containing Magnesium oxide (Fe/MgO), at room temperature. The salient feature of this method includes mild condition, short reaction time, high yield, easy purification, recyclable catalyst, large scale synthesis and simple procedure. The catalyst can be reused for several cycles without decrease in activity.