Copper-catalyzed direct alkylation of benzoxazoles using nonactivated secondary alkyl halides has been developed. The best catalyst is a new copper(I) complex (1), and the reactions are promoted by bis[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl] ether.
Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin, Yuhang Liu, Jing Gao, Dan Ren, Jun Li, Meng Xia
Christophe Berthod, Francesco Barantani