Cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate-mediated reactions: Simple route to benzimidazole derivatives

The reaction of o-phenylenediamine with aromatic aldehydes in MeOH at room temperature catalyzed by cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) afforded either 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-benz-imidazoles and/or 2-aryl-substituted benzimidazoles.