An efficient method to access 2-fluoroalkylbenzimidazoles by PIDA oxidation of amidines

A mild and practical strategy for the synthesis of 2-bromodifluoromethyl (or trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzimidazoles via PIDA-mediated oxidative intramolecular cyclization of the fluorinated amidines is described. The approach has the advantages of superior yields, excellent functional groups tolerance and mild reaction conditions.