One-pot conversion of amino acids into 2,5-disubstituted oxazoles: No metals needed

Abstract

2,5-Disubstituted oxazoles with a variety of alkyl and aryl groups are efficiently formed from N-acylamino acids, by a one-pot radical decarboxylation- oxidation-enolization and iodine-promoted cyclization process. Remarkably, the reaction takes place under mild conditions, and no metal catalysis is needed. The process can be useful for the direct modification of small peptides.