Methanol as the C1 source: redox coupling of nitrobenzenes and alcohols for the synthesis of benzimidazoles

Abstract

We present an operationally simple redox coupling for the synthesis of N-1 substituted benzimidazoles using feedstock building block 2-nitroaniline derivatives as the precursors and methanol as the C₁ source. Higher atom, step, and redox economies and excellent regioselectivity were achieved compared with conventional synthesis using diaminobenzene and formic acid derivatives.