Conventional and microwave-assisted synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives and their in vitro inhibition of human cyclooxygenase

A large series of 1,2-diaryl-benzimidazole and 2-aryl-1H-benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized with slight differences using both microwave irradiation and conventional heating methods. Usually higher yields and time reactions reduction were obtained with the former method. All compounds were assayed for their in vitro ability to inhibit human cyclooxygenases, and most of them showed an encouraging inhibitory activity and isoform selectivity in the micromolar range.