One-pot tandem approach for the synthesis of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles from alcohols

Propylphosphonic anhydride ((R) T3P) has been demonstrated to be an efficient and mild reagent for the one-pot synthesis of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles from variety of alcohols. Mild conditions, short reaction time, broad functional group tolerance, low epimerization, easy and quick isolation of the products, excellent chemo selectivity, and excellent yields are main advantages of this procedure. Thus, the present method is utilizing alcohols instead of aldehydes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.