Rapid and Cheap Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via Intermittent Microwave Promotion: A Simple and Potential Industrial Application of Air as Oxidant

Using inexpensive KI as the catalyst in the presence of ambient air, benzimidazoles were synthesized from aromatic aldehydes and o-phenylenediamine with excellent yields via intermittent microwave irradiation without reflux equipment. The synthesis process was mild and only needed only a short reaction time (7-10min). As a simple example of the utilization of molecular oxygen under mild conditions, this method provides a novel way to synthesize benzimidazoles. The industrial synthesis of benzimidazoles may be realized by a cycle of microwave irradiation.