An efficient preparation of 2-alkyl-oxazoles from 2-iodooxazoles

An efficient synthesis toward 2-alkyl substituted oxazoles has been achieved through Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Treatment of various alkyl iodides with 9-MeO-BBN, followed by in situ palladium-catalyzed carbon–carbon formation with 2-iodooxazoles obtained the 2-alkyl substituted oxazoles in good to excellent yields. Regioselective C2-alkylation on 2,4-di-iodooxazole under the same reaction conditions was firstly disclosed.