Synthesis, characterization and coordination properties of 2-(2′-(methylseleno)phenyl)benzimidazole

2-(2′-(methylseleno)phenyl)benzimidazole (1) was synthesized from 2-(methylseleno)benzaldehyde and 1,2-diaminobenzene in presence of acetic acid as a catalyst. The reaction of 1 with Pd(II) and Pt(II) afforded square planar complexes 4 and 5 with metal ligand ratio of 1:2. The structures of benzimidazole ligand 1 and complexes 4 and 5 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structures showed formation of cis isomers and the packing patterns showed formation of supramolecular structures via weak van der Waals interactions. As expected, the hard bases 2 and 3 did not react with soft acids Pd(II) and Pt(II).