Sulfuric acid {[3-(3-silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl}ester a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzimidazole derivatives

A highly selective synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzimidazoles from the reaction of o-phenylene-diamine and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of sulfuric acid {[3-(3-silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl}ester (SASPSPE) in water and at 80 °C in good to excellent yields.