A method for the annulation of 2-nitrophenols with aryl isothiocyanates is reported. The reactions proceeded in the presence of an iron(iii) acetylacetonate catalyst, elemental sulfur, NaOH as a base, and DMSO as a solvent. Derivatives of 2-aminobenzoxazoles bearing nitro, cyano, acetyl, sulfone, secondary amine, and pyrrolyl groups were successfully isolated.
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