Synthesis of Aryl-methylene Ethers through Pd(0)-Catalyzed Coupling between Hydrobenzoxazoles and Dichloromethane

Org Lett. 2023 Mar 10;25(9):1458-1463. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00190. Epub 2023 Mar 1.

Abstract

Using dichloromethane (DCM) as the C1 feedstock, the first Pd(0)-catalyzed synthesis of aryl-methylene ether motifs from hydrobenzoxazoles (hydrothiazoles) has been reported. This protocol has exhibited an ample substrate scope (38 examples) and wide functional group tolerance. Aryl-methylene ether adducts have been successfully engaged in coupling with isocyanate to provide bis-iminoisoindolinones. In this reaction, DCM has served as a twofold electrophile for reaction with hydrobenzoxazoles via double C-Cl bond cleavage.