Unexpected Selective Reduction of 3- and 6-Haloquinolines and 2-Bromo-1-methylbenzimidazole with Red Phosphorus in the KOH/DMSO System

3-Bromo- and 6-chloroquinolines or 2-bromo-1-methylbenzimidazole react with red phosphorus in the KOH/DMSO (Н2О) system on heating (100–120°C, 3 h) to form in high yield the products of selective reduction (with retention of the aromatic heterocycle): quinoline or 1-methylbenzimidazole, respectively.