Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via Dehydrogenative Cyclization of Amidines

Abstract The development of efficient and sustainable methodologies for the synthesis of N‐heterocycles is a constant focus of organic synthesis. Herein an electrochemical method is reported for the synthesis of benzimidazoles through dehydrogenative cyclization of easily available N ‐aryl amidines. The reactions were conducted under simple constant current conditions in an undivided cell without need for catalysts, chemical oxidants, or additives, and produced H 2 as the only theoretical byproduct.