Synthesis of 2‐Alkyl‐Substituted Benzimidazoles by Thermal Decomposition of 2‐Azidobenzenamines in thePresence of an Aldehyde

2‐Substituted benzimidazoles were prepared by reaction of 2‐azidoaminobenzenes with aldehydes under thermal conditions. The reaction probably proceeds via a sequential imine formation, azide decomposition forming a nitrene, and electrocyclization.