Mild,one-pot preparation of 2-substituted benzimidazoles from organic halides

Alkyl halides are feasibly transformed into benzimidazoles by a domino reaction under solvent-free conditions. The organic halides react with o-phenylenediamines in stoichiometric amounts in the presence of pyridine-N-oxide to produce the desired substituted benzimidazoles. This domino synthesis does not require catalysts. The synthesis occurs in dry medium and the environmental impact is minimal. The method provides products without intermediate separation. A mechanism of benzimidazole synthesis is also proposed.