Aqueous Synthesis of 1-H-2-Substituted Benzimidazoles via Transition-Metal-Free Intramolecular Amination of Aryl Iodides

A straightforward method has been developed for the synthesis of the benzimidazole ring system through a carbon-nitrogen cross-coupling reaction. In the presence of 2.0 equiv. of K(2)CO(3) in water at 100 °C for 30 h, the intramolecular cyclization of N-(2-iodoaryl)benzamidine provides benzimidazole derivatives in moderate to high yields. Remarkably, the procedure occurs exclusively in water and doesn’t require the use of any additional reagent/catalyst, rendering the methodology highly valuable from both environmental and economical points of view.