Synthesis of Benzoxazoles Using Electrochemically Generated Hypervalent Iodine

J Org Chem. 2017 Nov 17;82(22):11669-11681. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b01686. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

Abstract

The indirect ("ex-cell") electrochemical synthesis of benzoxazoles from imines using a redox mediator based on the iodine(I)/iodine(III) redox couple is reported. Tethering the redox-active iodophenyl subunit to a tetra-alkylammonium moiety allowed for anodic oxidation to be performed without supporting electrolyte. The mediator salt can be easily recovered and reused. Our "ex-cell" approach toward the electrosynthesis of benzoxazoles is compatible with a range of redox-sensitive functional groups. An unprecedented concerted reductive elimination mechanism for benzoxazole formation is proposed on the basis of control experiments and DFT calculations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't