Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles <i>via</i> condensation of diamines or amino(thio)phenols with CF<sub>3</sub>CN
method is developed for the synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles in good to excellent yields by the condensation of diamines or amino(thio)phenols with in situ generated CF3CN. Additionally, the synthetic utility of the 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazole and benzoxazole products is demonstrated via gram scale synthesis. The mechanisticstudy suggests that the reaction