Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions of (Benz)oxazoles with Ethers

Abstract

The cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of (benz)oxazoles and ethers is described. Access to some important bioactive heteroaryl ether derivatives was achieved using CoCO₃ as an inexpensive catalyst at levels as low as 1.0 mol %. Investigation of the mechanism indicates a catalytic cycle involving a radical process.