Metal-Free One-Pot Synthesis of N,N′-Diarylamidines and N-Arylbenzimidazoles from Arenediazonium Salts, Nitriles, and Free Anilines

A highly efficient and facile metal-free, one-pot reaction has been developed to afford diversely substituted N-arylbenzimidazoles through chemoselective in situ generation of N,N'-diarylamidines from arenediazonium salts, nitrites, and free anilines. The advantages of this protocol consist of the operationally easy and simple one-pot procedure under metal-free and mild conditions, the direct use of inexpensive and commercially available chemicals, and thus, a cost-effective and greener process.