A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of benzimidazoles using air as the oxidant

Direct one-step synthesis of various benzimidazoles from phenylenediamines and aldehydes is described using air as the oxidant. The salient features of this method include a simple procedure, mild conditions, no coupling agents or commercial oxidants/additives used, no waste produced (only by-product being water), easy purification, and high generality.