Formic Acid → 4-Methylbenzimidazole

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 3-methyl-1,2-benzenediamine (11.9 g) and formic acid (150 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 15 minutes. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residual oil was stirred with water (100 mL) and sodium hydroxide solution (65 mL of 4.0 N) was added until the solution was just basic. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water, and air dried to give 11.6 g (90%) of 4-methyl-1H-benzimidazole, mp 141°-145° C.

Provenance & Evidence