[3 + 2] Cycloaddition/Oxidative Aromatization Sequence via Photoredox Catalysis: One-Pot Synthesis of Oxazoles from 2H-Azirines and Aldehydes

A novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition/oxidative aromatization sequence via visible light-induced photoredox catalysis is disclosed. It provides a general synthetic route to 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazoles from easily accessible 2H-azirines and aldehydes under mild reaction conditions. The potential of this strategy was further demonstrated by the rapid synthesis of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor as well as the success of employing electron-deficient alkenes and imines as the reaction partners.