Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Poly(N,N′-dibromo-N-ethylnaphthyl-2,7-disulfonamide) as an Efficient Reagent for the Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzimidazole and 2-Aryl-1-arylmethyl-1H-1,3-benzimidazole Derivatives

The condensation of O-phenylenediamine (OPD) with aryl aldehydes is carried out in acetonitrile using poly(N,N′-dibromo-N-ethylnaphthyl-2,7-disulfonamide) (PBNS) as a novel and heterogeneous catalyst. PBNS has some potential advantages which include ease of separation from the reaction mixture by simple filtration, easy preparation, recoverablility, convenience, and stability under normal condition and also is not dangerous as molecular bromine.