Divergent synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines and benzimidazoles via a BiCl3-catalyzed one-pot condensation-cyclization process

Catalyzed by BiCl3, aromatic o-diamines reacted with ketones efficiently to produce 1,5-benzodiazepines in good to excellent yields by condensation-cyclization reaction. Using aldehydes as substrates, mono- or disubstituted benzimidazoles were obtained as the final products. All reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions and showed good functional group compatibility.

Automated summary

In this study, aromatic o-diamines reacted efficiently with ketones under the catalysis of BiCl3 to produce 1,5-benzodiazepines in good to excellent yields by condensation-cyclization reaction. Using aldehydes as substrates, mono- or disubstituted benzimidazoles were obtained as the final products. All reactions were carried out under mild conditions and showed good functional group compatibility.