Abstract
In the present report, inter and intramolecular C N bond formation between the carbonyl carbon of urea or amide functional group with various amines mediated by triflic anhydride and 2-nitropyridine is successfully investigated for the first time. The versatility of the method is demonstrated by exploring it on a wide range of substrates to synthesize diversified 2-aminobenzimidazole, 2-aminopyridoimidazole and 2-substituted benzimidazole and benzthiazoles. Short reaction time, high yields and applicability in milder metal free reaction conditions are the highlights of the present methodology.