Electrochemically initiated oxidative amination of benzoxazoles using tetraalkylammonium halides as redox catalysts.

An electrochemically promoted coupling of benzoxazoles and amines has been developed, leading directly to the formation of 2-aminobenzoxazoles. The chemistry utilizes catalytic quantities of a tetraalkylammonium halide redox catalyst and is carried out under constant current conditions in a simple undivided cell. The use of excess chemical oxidant or large amounts of supporting electrolyte is avoided. This greatly simplifies the workup and isolation process and leads to a reduction in waste.