Electrosynthesis of Benzoxazoles from o-Nitrophenols and Alcohols

Abstract

Herein, we report an efficient electrochemical redox condensation strategy for the construction of diverse 2-substituted benzoxazole derivatives from readily available o-nitrophenols and alcohols in an undivided cell. This electrocatalytic reaction makes full use of both anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction, obviating the requirement for metal catalysts or chemical oxidants. Mechanistic investigations including control experiments and cyclic voltammetry suggest an intermolecular electrochemical redox/cyclization pathway.