Synthesis of 2,5-disubstitued benzimidazole using SnC12-catalyzed reduction system at room temperature

Stannous chloride dihydrate is used as an efficient catalyst in reductive cyclization of 2-nitro-5- substituted aniline Schiff base leading to stable 2,5-disubstitued benzimidazole derivatives in excellent yields with good purity. It provides a novel method of synthesis of 2,5-disubstitued benzimidazole under reductive system at room temperature.