A heterogeneous catalytic strategy for facile production of benzimidazoles and quinoxalines from primary amines using the Al-MCM-41 catalyst

This study reports a straightforward heterogeneous catalytic (Al-MCM-41) approach to synthesize nitrogen heterocycle moieties from primary amines under solvent-free conditions. The Al-MCM-41 catalyst was prepared using a hydrothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques. The probability and limitations of the catalytic methodology were presented with various substrates. The catalytic method grants an attractive route to a wide variety of benzimidazole and quinoxaline moieties with good to excellent yields. The gram scale reaction and reusability (up to five cycles) of the Al-MCM-41 catalyst would greatly benefit industrial applications.