One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Substituted Benzoxazoles Directly from Carboxylic Acids

Methanesulfonic acid has been found to be a highly effective catalyst for a convenient and one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted benzoxazoles by the reaction of 2-aminophenol with acid chlorides, generated in situ from carboxylic acids. Aryl, heteroaryl, and arylalkyl carboxylic acids provided excellent yields of the corresponding benzoxazoles. The reaction conditions were compatible with various substituents such as chloro, bromo, nitro, methoxy, cyclopentyloxy, phenoxy, thiophenoxy, and conjugated double bonds. Benzoxazole formation was found to be general with respect to substituted 2-aminophenols.