Selenium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of 2‐Benzimidazolones from 2‐Nitroanilines with TFBen as the CO Source

A selenium‐catalyzed carbonylative reaction for the synthesis of 2‐benzimidazolones from 2‐nitroanilines has been developed. In this strategy, to avoid the usage of toxic CO gas, TFBen (benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl triformate) was used as a solid and stable CO precursor, and a variety of desired 2‐benzimidazolones were produced in moderate to excellent yields.