Nano ceria catalyzed synthesis of substituted benzimidazole, benzothiazole, and benzoxazole in aqueous media

A series of substituted benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles, and benzoxazoles was synthesized by combining 1,2-phenylenediamine, 2-aminothiophenol, or 2-aminophenol with aryl, heteroaryl, aliphatic, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in the presence of nano ceria (CeO2) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst.