Montmorillonite K10: An Efficient Organo- Heterogeneous Catalyst for Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives

The use of alternative synthetic methods, in the face of traditional processes that do not conform to the principles of Green Chemistry, represent a problem in the pharmaceutical industry. The procedures for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives have become a focus in synthetic organic chemistry, as they are building blocks of strong interest for the synthesis of compounds with pharmacological activity. Various benzimidazole derivatives have found very strong application in medicine and their synthesis is reported in the literature. A simple and environmental Montmorillonite K10 (MK10) catalyzed method for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives has been developed. The use of MK10 as heterogeneous catalysis provides various advantages in terms of yields, in the work up procedure of the reaction, selectivity and the possible recycle of catalyst without waste formation. The reactions were carried out in solvent free condition and in short reaction time using an inexpensive and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalysis and it has been shown that the reaction process is applicable in the industrial field.