Polyethylene glycol: A recyclable solvent system for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using CAN as catalyst

Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) efficiently catalysed the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives from o-phenylenediamine and aldehydes in PEG. This method provides a novel route for the synthesis of benzimidazoles in good yields with little catalyst loading. The recovery and the successful reutilization of the solvent system are also presented. Moreover, the easy set-up and purification tasks of this sustainable method make it appealing for bulk industry applications.