Efficient palladium(II)-catalyzed homocoupling of thiazole-4-carboxylic or oxazole-4-carboxylic derivatives

An efficient Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed homocoupling of thiazole-4-carboxylic or oxazole-4-carboxylic derivatives is described. It represents a facile and practical methodology to prepare bis-5,5′-thiazole (oxazole)-4,4′-dicarboxylic derivatives in good to excellent yields. This protocol tolerates a series of substitutions on the thiazole (oxazole) rings, including alkyl, carbonyl, and electron-withdrawing/donating group substituted phenyl groups.