Arylidene Meldrum's acid is employed as a source of the arylgroup and oxidant for the synthesis of 2-aryl-1H–benzimidazoles by a condensation reaction with 1,2-phenylenediamine in refluxing ethanol with good to high yields. Arylidene Meldrum's acids were also used as a source of the arylgroup and oxidant for the synthesis of 2-aryl-1H-perimidines by a condensation reaction with 1,8-diaminonaphthalene