Synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazoles via microwave Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of unprotected 2-chlorobenzimidazoles

A series of 2-arylbenzimidazoles were synthesized via microwave-mediated Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 2-chloro benzimidazoles and either arylboronic acids or aryltrifluoroborate salts. The most notable aspect of the present work is that there is no need for protection of the benzimidazoles. In addition, reaction conditions were optimized to reduce homo coupling of pyridylboronic acids.