PEG-mediated catalyst-free expeditious synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles and bis-benzimidazoles under solvent-less conditions

A wide variety of 2-substituted benzimidazoles and bis-benzimidazoles were synthesized in high yields by PEG-mediated catalyst-free synthesis under solvent-less conditions. The products were directly recrystallized from hot methanol. The reaction occurred giving excellent yields with low as well as high molecular weight PEGs.