One-pot synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazole, 2-arylbenzothiazole and 2-arylbenzoxazole derivatives using vanadium(IV)–salen complex as homogeneous catalyst and vanadium(IV)–salen complex nanoparticles immobilized onto silica as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst

Abstract

The efficient synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazole, 2-arylbenzothiazole and 2-arylbenzoxazole derivatives is described by condensation of aryl aldehydes and o-phenylenediamines, 2-aminothiophenol and 2-aminophenol in a single pot using a catalytic amount of vanadium(IV)–salen complex or vanadium–salen nanoparticles supported on silica (5.0 mol%) in excellent isolated yields. The immobilized catalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma analysis, thermogravimetric instrument for analysis of nitrogen adsorption and FT-IR spectroscopy.