A new synthesis of 4‐aminooxazoles from α‐oxonitriles

Abstract

A general synthesis is described for the preparation of 4‐amino‐2,5‐disubstituted oxazoles 2. The interaction of α‐oxonitriles 1 with equimolecular amounts of aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes, and excess of anhydrous ammonium acetate in glacial acetic acid at 110–120° for 3–6 hours gives 2 in 40–65% yields. A plausible reaction mechanism for the formation of 2 is also suggested. Copyright © 1988 Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry