VO(acac)2 catalyzed condensation of o-phenylenediamine with aromatic carboxylic acids/aldehydes under microwave radiation affording benzimidazoles

Vanadyl acetylacetonate, VO(acac)2, has been found to be very effective catalyst for synthesis of a variety of benzimidazoles under solvent-free condition. The methodology involves the exposure of a mixture of o-phenylenediamine and a selected aromatic carboxylic acid/aldehyde to microwave radiation without the use of any solvent or supporting agents. The benzimidazoles were obtained in quick time with high yields.