A simple and practical procedure for synthesis of 2-arylbenzimidazoles by a one-pot condensation of o-phenylenediamine with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of a catalytic amount of M(NO3)2·6H2O (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) in ethanol at room temperature is described. Major advantages of this practical procedure are use of a readily available catalyst, high yields, short reaction times, and simplicity of the reaction and workup.
