Iron(0)-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenative Condensation of Nitroarenes with Alcohols: A Straightforward Approach to Benzoxazoles, Benzothiazoles, and Benzimidazoles

J Org Chem. 2020 Dec 4;85(23):15396-15405. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02191. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

The iron-catalyzed hydrogen transfer strategy has been applied to the redox condensation of o-hydroxynitrobenzene with alcohol, leading to the formation of benzoxazole derivatives. A wide range of 2-substituted benzoxazoles were synthesized in good to excellent yields without the addition of an external redox agent. A series of control experiments provided a plausible mechanism. Furthermore, the reaction system was successfully extended to the synthesis of benzothiazoles and benzimidazoles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't