A new laccase-catalyzed domino process and its application to the efficient synthesis of 2-aryl-1H-benzimidazoles

The laccase-catalyzed domino reaction of o-phenylenediamine and benzaldehydes with aerial oxygen as the oxidant exclusively yields 2-aryl-1H-benzimidazoles in good to very good yields. It is easy to perform under very mild reaction conditions.