Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives from the Oxidative Coupling of Primary Amines

Abstract

Benzimidazole belongs to the top five most commonly used five-membered aromatic nitrogen heterocycles among U.S. FDA approved pharmaceuticals. Over the last few years, a large number of improved synthetic strategies have been developed to construct the benz­imidazole molecular framework under environmentally benign conditions. This review focuses on the use of primary amines as readily available substrates for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives through different types of oxidative cross-coupling reactions.1 Introduction2 Catalyst-Free Oxidative Coupling of Primary Amines3 Catalytic Oxidative Coupling of Primary Amines3.1 Metal-Catalyzed Reactions3.2 Metal-Free Catalyzed Reactions3.3 Bioinspired Catalyzed Reactions4 Conclusion