N-Bromosuccinimide as a Brominating Agent for the Transformation of N-H (or N-Benzyl) Ketoaziridines into Oxazoles

Abstract

A novel procedure for the direct synthesis of 2,5-diarylox­azoles starting from <i>N</i>-H ketoaziridines is described. The method proceeds via the in situ formation of <i>N</i>-bromoketoaziridines in the presence of <i>N</i>-bromosuccinimide followed by the generation of intermediate azomethine ylides. A plausible mechanism for this transformation is proposed.