Synthetic Approaches to 2-Arylbenzimidazoles: A Review

Benzimidazoles are very useful building blocks for the development of molecules that are important in medicinal chemistry. 2-Substituted benzimidazole derivatives have found applications as diverse therapeutic agents, including antiulcers, antihypertensives, antivirals, antifungals, anticancers, and antihistaminics. Because of their importance, the methods for their synthesis have become a focus of Synthetic Organic Chemists. However, we failed to locate report in the literature that covers various efforts that have been made for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazoles. Therefore, in the present review, we have tried to compile some of the important synthetic techniques and methodologies used for its synthesis during the last decade.