A Novel, Domino Synthesis of Tricyclic Benzimidazole Derivatives Using Continuous Flow

A novel method for synthesis of tricyclic benzimidazole derivatives by using continuous flow reactor is reported. Disadvantages of the well-known batch methods have been avoided utilizing the flow chemistry technology. Beside the one pot reductive cyclization using H-Cube Pro®, the dehydration step was also optimized producing the desired lactam compounds. Then the acylation was optimized under microwave conditions and that reaction was also integrated into the flow system using an Asia heater module. This acylation dramatically reduced the reaction time under continuous-flow conditions, with a residence time of 30 min