Synthesis of Benzimidazolones via One-Pot Reaction of Hydroxylamines, Aldehydes, and Trimethylsilyl Cyanide Promoted by Diacetoxyiodobenzene.

A novel and efficient PhI(OAc)2-promoted one-pot reaction of aromatic hydroxylamines, aldehydes, and TMSCN in the presence of BF3·Et2O is described. A wide variety of N-substituted benzimidazolones are obtained with satisfactory yields under mild reaction conditions. The method was proven to be efficient for the synthesis of benzimidazolone derivatives from readily available starting materials.