Copper(ii)-mediated formation of oxazole-4-carbonitrile from acetophenone and coordinated cyanide anion via a radical coupling

Abstract

A protocol for the direct synthesis of 5-aryloxazole-4-carbonitrile from acetophenone was first described with potassium ferricyanide as a cheap and low toxicity cyanide reagent, in which, multiple bond formation was implemented via an oxygen mediated radical mechanism. Potassium ferricyanide played a dual role as a “CN” source and also as a coupling partner for the cyclization of oxazole.