Control of selectivity in the preparation of 2-substituted benzoazoles by adjusting the surface hydrophobicity in two solid-based sulfonic acid catalysts

Tuning of the surface properties and acidity in sulfonic acid functionalised mesoporous silica or organosilica offers an unprecedented selectivity changeover in the condensation of 2-aminophenol with isothiocyanate to various 2-substituted benzoxazoles.