Various approaches for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives and their catalytic application for organic transformation

Imidazole and phenyl rings are fused at positions 4 and 5 to form the benzimidazole structure. The benzimidazole mono- and disubstituted derivatives are extremely intriguing heterocyclic chemical compounds. They can be synthesized using a straightforward condensation method between o-phenylenediamine and a carbonyl compound under various conditions as well as a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The catalytical effects of benzimidazole derivatives, which include oxidation of olefins, oxidation of alcohol, etc, play a significant role in the catalysis. This review describes various synthetic routes for synthesizing functionalized benzimidazole derivatives and catalytic application of benzimidazole Schiff base metal complexes and benzimidazole amide.