A versatile synthesis of substituted benzimidazolium salts by an amination/ ring closure sequence

(Equation presented) A new method to produce benzimidazolium salts based on a successive Buchwald-Hartwig amination and ring closure is reported. A variety of different benzimidazolium salts can be prepared using this procedure. Amines that bear an α-chiral group undergo the reaction to furnish chiral benzimidazolium salts. The salts that lack a C2 substituent on the heterocycle are readily deprotonated to give nucleophilic carbenes.