An efficient and one-pot synthesis of imidazolines and benzimidazoles via anaerobic oxidation of carbon–nitrogen bonds in water

The system, I2/KI/K2CO3/H2O, oxidizes carbon–nitrogen bonds for the synthesis of imidazolines and benzimidazoles from aldehydes and diamines under anaerobic conditions in water at 90 °C with excellent yields. The process is green, mild and inexpensive.