Nano scale magnetically recoverable supported heteropoly acid as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives in water.

12-Tungstophosphoric acid supported on silica-coated magnetic nano particles was prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Acidity of the catalysts was measured by potentiometric titration with n-butylamine. Catalytic activity of the prepared sample was evaluated in the model synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole derivatives in water. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity and the corresponding products were obtained in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily recovered using an external magnet and reused several times. The leaching and surface acidity of the recovered catalyst were also investigated.