Phenylboronic acid catalyzed-cyanide promoted, one-pot synthesis of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole derivatives

A novel, one-pot, phenylboronic acid catalyzed, cyanide promoted synthesis of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazoles from salicylaldehydes and o-aminophenols is described. The synthesis is characterized by mild conditions, short reaction times, and simple workup of crystalline, high purity products.