The catalytic effects of in situ prepared N-heterocyclic carbenes from benzimidazole salts in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction and uses in catalytic preparation of 1,3,5-triphenyl-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione from phenyl isocyanate

Many benzimidazole salts bearing a 3-phenylpropyl substituent (1a–1h) were synthesized and their structures were identified by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and IR spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. These N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors were used as a part of a catalytic system including Pd(OAc)2 and the base in the Suzuki– Miyaura cross-coupling reaction under microwave irradiation. They were also used as catalysts in the cyclotrimerization of phenyl isocyanate to yield 1,3,5-triphenyl-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione. It has been observed that benzimidazole salts made a positive contribution to both catalytic reactions as a NHC precursor.