Fe-Containing Ionic liquid Supported on Nanosized MCM-41: An Efficient and Reusable Catalyst in the Synthesis of 2-Aryl Benzimidazole Derivatives

In this study, an efficient method for the synthesis of 2-Aryl Benzimidazole derivatives has been developed. The synthesis was performed by condensation aromatic benzaldehydes and 1.2 phenylenediamin using [bmim][FeCl4]/MCM-41 as a heterogeneous catalyst under reflux conditions and at 60 C. The advantages of this method are easy work-up procedure, clean and neutral reaction conditions. The separation and reuse of the catalyst were simple and could be reused without a significant loss of catalytic activity. Moreover, the products were achieved in good yields (70-83%).