Various 2-arylbenzimidazoles were synthesized from phenylenediamines and aldehydes via a one-step process using hypervalent iodine as an oxidant. The salient features of this method include mild conditions, short reaction times (3-5 min), high yields, and simple procedure.
benzimidazoles - iodobenzene diacetate (IBD) - oxidations -
o-phenylenediamines