Direct cleavage of the NN bond of azobenzenes by MeOTf leading to N-arylbenzimidazoles

Abstract

Direct cleavage of the NN bond of azo compounds by methyltriflate (MeOTf) leading to benzimidazoles has been described. In this reaction, the MeOTf serves as one carbon unit and inserts into the NN bond to form benzimidazole via cleavage of the NN bond and three C–H bonds and meanwhile formation of three C–N bonds.