Copper catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization and ketonization: one pot synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolones

A highly efficient synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolone through a novel oxidative 5-exo-dig cyclization-ketonization cascade of 2-aminobenzimidazole, aldehyde and terminal alkyne has been explored under aerobic conditions. The reaction proceeds through copper-catalyzed addition of terminal alkynes to imines derived from 2-aminobenzimidazole with aldehyde followed by intramolecular cyclization. The atmospheric molecular oxygen acts as an oxygen source for the newly formed carbonyl group in the final product.