CuO nano-particles supported on silica, a new catalyst for facile synthesis of benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles

A facile synthetic route for benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles comprising the reaction of corresponding o-phenylenediamine, o-aminothiophenol and o-aminophenol with various aldehydes using silica supported nano-copper (II) oxide as a catalyst has been described. The catalyst exhibited a clean reaction profile with excellent yields in a short reaction time. The catalyst can be recycled effectively after use.