Methylpyridylbenzimidazoles. Part I. Mono,bis-quaternary salts and related polymethyne dyes

The reaction of 2-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole with long chain alkyl halides led to N-alkylation at the imidazole ring. The bases obtained were selectively quaternized at the azine and azole nitrogen atoms. The pyridinium salts gave the corresponding polymethyne dyes. Spectral (nmr and uv) and surface properties are briefly discussed.