Fast and efficient method for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazoles using MCM-41-SO3H

Nanosized MCM-41-SO3H material based on ordered mesoporous silica gel with covalently attached sulfonic acid groups was synthesized and used as acid catalyst for green synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives. Echofriendly protocol, short reaction times, easy and quick isolation of the products, and excellent yields are the main advantages of this procedure.