Synthesis of benzimidazoles from o-phenylenediamines and DMF derivatives in the presence of PhSiH3

A simple approach to preparation of benzimidazoles from o-phenylenediamines and DMF derivatives, only employing PhSiH3 as promoter without any other additives, was reported. This route provided moderate to high yields with a broad substrate scope. A plausible mechanism for the reaction is proposed based on the spectroscopic characterization (e.g., HRMS and H-1 NMR) of the reaction mixture. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.