CAS 57159-81-6: 2-(methylsulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazole

2-(Methylsulfonyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (MSBI) is a relatively new class of catalysts that can be used to promote the oxidation of alcohols. The catalytic system consists of copper, iodides, and MSBI. The first step in the catalytic cycle is the formation of a complex between MSBI and copper. This complex reacts with an alcohol to give a more reactive species, which then oxidizes iodide to iodine. The iodide is reduced back to iodide by hydrogen peroxide generated from the reaction with water. The spectrum of MSBI shows peaks at 1706 cm-1 and 1684 cm-1 due to its methyl groups, while the peak at 1202 cm-1 corresponds to the stretching vibration in the imidazole ring. Experimental results show that MSBI has a low density and high theoretical activity.