Synthesis of 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)isoindolin-1-one derivatives promoted by EtOH–AcOH solvent system

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 3-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)isoindolin-1-one derivatives by a one-pot, three-component condensation reaction of phthalaldehydic acid, primary amine, and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole or 2-hydroxybenzimidazole is described. By using EtOH–AcOH (v/v, 15:1) as the solvent system, the reaction proceeds smoothly to give corresponding products in good yields.