Zeolite‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Benzimidazoles under Solvent‐Free Condition and Microwave Irradiation

(An efficient and simple synthesis of several 2‐arylbenzimidazoles 3a‐i from reaction of 4‐methyl‐1,2‐)phenylenediamine and aromatic carboxylic acids in the presence of zeolite catalyst is reported. The reactions were performed under microwave irradiation, and the catalyst could be recycled and used for several times. The yields of products following recrystallization from benzene or dichloromethane were of the order of 26–97%.