Reductive cyclization with baker's yeast of 4-alkyl-2-nitroacetanilides to 6-alkylbenzimidazoles and 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-6-alkylbenzimidazoles
Abstract
Reduction of 4-substituted 2-nitroacetanilides by baker's yeast in acid media effected cyclization, resulting in the formation of 6-substituted 2-methylbenzimidazoles and 6-substituted 1-hydroxy-2-methylbenzimidazole via the chemo- and regioselective reduction of the 2-nitro aromatic group to amine or hydroxylamine.