A novel efficient method for the selective synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles is described through condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamines with a wide rang of aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehyde substrates using Brönsted acidic ionic liquid as a reusable catalyst under metal-free conditions at ambient temperature. Notably, Dodecylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([DodecIm][HSO4])