Convenient synthesis of 2-alkynylbenzazoles through Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction between thioethers and terminal alkynes

Abstract

We describe herein the synthesis of 2-alkynylbenzoxazole and 2-alkynylbenzothiazole derivatives through the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of the corresponding thioethers and terminal alkynes under aerobic conditions, using CuI and Pd(dppf)Cl2 as catalysts. The synthetic methodology allows the convenient cross-coupling of heteroaromatic substrates with a wide variety of aromatic and aliphatic alkynes, in moderate to good yields. The behavior of mercapto benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles were also investigated in the desulfitative Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. It is noteworthy that the reaction occurred better under aerobic conditions rather than an inert atmosphere, although with increased amounts of the diyne side-product.