Highly regioselective cyclotrimerization of terminal alkynes catalyzed by Fe(II) complexes bearing 2-(benzimidazolyl)-6-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)pyridines

► Iron complexes are ideal transition metal for organic transformation. ► FeCl2 ligated with 2-(benzimidazolyl)-6-(1-(arylimino)ethyl)pyridine in the presence of zinc powder is reported as a catalystic system for cyclotrimerization of alkynes to yield benzene derivative with high regioselectivity. ► The catalytic system offers high yields and for aryl substituted terminal alkynes in the mild reactions. ► The catalytic system is a limitation for internal alkynes.