Unique substituted 3-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole-1-carboxamides generated by Ugi 3CC using bifunctional starting material

2-(2-Formyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)acetic acid, as a bifunctional formyl-acid was prepared in four steps. This compound underwent one-pot reaction with primary amines, and alkyl isocyanides under Ugi conditions. A series of novel 3-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]benzimidazole-1-carboxamides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.