SYNTHETIC STRATEGIES FOR BENZIMIDAZOLES: ADVANCES AND GREEN PERSPECTIVES
Benzimidazoles represent an important class of heterocyclic compounds with broad pharmacological significance, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic activities. Their biological versatility has driven the development of diverse and efficient synthetic strategies. The current reviewrepresents aconcise and systematic overview of synthetic approaches to benzimidazoles, emphasising the reaction of 1,2- benzenediamine with different amines, aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, β-ketoesters, and other nucleophilicpartners. Comparative insights into catalyst-mediated, catalyst-free, and green synthetic methodologies arehighlighted, including the use of inorganic acids, solid-supported catalysts, natural catalysts, and environmentallybenign reaction conditions. Additionally, emerging approaches using alternative diamine precursors and modifiedreaction pathways are discussed. By summarising advancements in both traditional and sustainable syntheticpractices, this review provides a practical reference for researchers involved in designing benzimidazole scaffoldsfor medicinal and chemical applications. Furthermore, this review emphasises the advantages and limitations of different methodologies, which will help researchers select the suitable synthetic routes for efficient synthesis of benzimidazoles.
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