1-Heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt: One pot efficient synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzo[d]imidazoles

Synthesis of 2-aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzo[d]imidazoles by the reaction of o-phenylenediamine with substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (10 mol%) at room temperature. The reactions were performed in acetonitrile:water (8:2). The method was proved to be eco-friendly, convenient and the products were isolated with good yields (82–90%).