Abstract:
A solvent-free selective green synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles was developed using a ballmilling
technique. Recyclable ionic liquid-coated ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs, catalyst 5) were
employed as a catalyst, which produced high yields, turnover number and turnover frequency because of
the synergetic catalytic properties of the ionic liquid and ZnO-NPs. The present method was successfully
employed in the synthesis of various 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole derivatives in excellent yields with
high selectivity. The reaction could also be performed on a multi-gram scale with the same efficiency.
A high eco-scale score and a low E-factor emphasize the ecofriendly nature of the present method.
