One pot three component reaction for the rapid synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazoles

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]-benzimidazole (PBI) linked to an ionic liquid (ILs) as a soluble support under microwave irradiation was explored. The key intermediate benzimidazoles were synthesized via N-acylation followed by cyclodehydration of IL-supported methyl-3-amino-4-(isobutylamino) benzoate. The synthesis of the IL-bound PBI was performed by one-pot three-component condensation under microwave dielectric heating, which involved a Knoevenagel condensation and a [4+1]-cycloaddition reaction. The reaction was monitored directly by means of ¹H NMR. All final products were obtained in good yield and high purity after precipitation. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]