Eco-friendly synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using solid acid scolecite catalyst

A series of benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized expeditiously in good yields by condensation of 1,2-diaminobenzene and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of modified scolecite catalyst. The world wide availability, easy handling and reusability of catalyst, higher yields and shorter reaction times are the advantages of the present method. (C) 2010 Machhindra K. Lande. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.