Silica sulfuric acid catalyzed synthesis of benzoxazoles, benzimidazoles and oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridines under heterogeneous and solvent-free conditions

Abstract

A simple, rapid and efficient method for the preparation of benzoxazoles, benzimidazoles and oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridines from the reaction of orthoesters with o-aminophenols, o-phenylenediamine and 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine in the presence of silica sulfuric acid under heterogeneous and solvent-free conditions is reported. The significant features of this method are short reaction times, high yields of the products, mild reaction conditions, solvent free reaction, cheapness, non-toxicity and reusability of the catalyst.