Phosphonium-mediated cyclization of N-(2-aminophenyl)thioureas: efficient synthesis of 2-aminobenzimidazoles

BOP efficiently promoted the phosphonium-mediated cyclization of thioureas, leading to a convenient synthesis of 2-aminobenzimidazoles. Compared to conventional methods, the reactions were complete at room temperature with times ranging from a few minutes to 1 h in near quantitative yields. This method is also applicable to the synthesis of more challenging structures such as 2-akylaminobenzimidazoles and 2-(N-acyl)-aminobenzimidazoles. The methodology described herein represents a mild and efficient route to a variety of 2-aminobenzimidazoles.