Palladium-catalyzed N-heteroannulation of N-allyl- or N-benzyl-2-nitrobenzenamines: synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles

A palladium-catalyzed reductive N-heteroannulation of N-allyl- or N-benzyl-2-nitrobenzenamines, using carbon monoxide as the ultimate reducing agent, affording 2-substituted benzimidazoles has been developed.