Catalytic role of sodium dodecyl sulfate: Selective synthesis of 1, 2-disubstituted benzimidazoles in water

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 1, 2-disubstituted benzimidazoles has been developed by a one-pot reaction of o-phenylenediamine with both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate in aqueous medium at room temperature in open air without any organic solvent. The surfactant is recycled. A plausible mechanistic approach has also been suggested. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.