Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of pyrrolo [1, 2-a] benzimidazoles

Abstract

Reaction of nitrilimines 1 with 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole 2 gave the 3-arylazo-2-methylpyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazole 4a rather than the reported 2-arylazo-3-methylpyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazole 3a. The correct structure of the product was determined using X-ray crystal structure analysis. The similar reaction of nitrilimines with 2-aminobenzimidazole 5 gave the acyclic nucleophilic addition product 6.