2-Alkyl-1-(2-aryl-1,1-difluoro-2-hydroxyethyl)benzimidazoles: potential angiotensin II receptor antagonists

2-Alkyl-1-(bromodifluoromethyl)benzimidazoles were synthesized and condensed with aromatic aldehydes to give 2-alkyl-1-(2-aryl-1,1-difluoro-2-hydroxyethyl)-benzimidazoles. A potential nonpeptide antagonist of the angiotensin II receptor with the -CF2CH(OH)-bridge between the heterocyclic nitrogen atom and the biphenyl moiety was synthesized.