Synthesis of benzimidazoles via iridium-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling.

ABSTRACT

Iridium-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of tertiary amines and arylamines has been developed. A number of benzimidazoles were prepared in good yields. An iridium-mediated C-H activation mechanism is suggested. This finding represents a novel strategy for the synthesis of benzimidazoles.