A Review on Benzimidazole Heterocyclic Compounds: Synthesis and their Medicinal Activity Applications

Benzimidazole is a heterocyclic compound formed by fusing the benzene ring with an imidazole ring that contains two nitrogen atoms. Benzimidazole and its derivatives are prepared in different ways, including condensation of o-phenylenediamine with carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) or with carboxylic acids and their derivatives. The benzimidazoles can also be prepared by rearranging other heterocyclic compounds such as quinoxaline derivatives, triazole derivatives, etc. In recent decades, benzimidazoles were prepared using green methods such as microwaves, ultrasound, and the use of an environmentally friendly catalyst, as well as photochemical reactions. Benzimidazoles have attracted the interest of scientists and researchers due to the great medical efficacy shown by them for various diseases. The benzimidazole derivatives show many pharmacological activities such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiviral, etc. This review focuses on shedding light on benzimidazole and its derivatives, the most important methods used to prepare it, as well as the biological applications in our daily lives.