Electrochemical Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Oxazoles: Aminotrifluoromethylation of Alkynes/in‐situ Cyclization

Abstract

AbstractWe report the development of a four‐component electrochemical method for the synthesis of CF3‐oxazoles, utilizing alkynes and NaSO2CF3 in MeCN. The method leverages the simplicity and mildness of the reaction conditions, despite the inherent complexity of utilizing four distinct components through aminotrifluoromethylation of alkyne followed by in‐situ cyclization. Notably, in addition to MeCN solvent, the presence of residual water in the reaction mixture also contributed as a coupling partner. The synthesis involves a sequence of four controlled oxidation steps under constant potential with graphite electrodes, facilitated by the mediator TMEDA, highlighting the precision achievable in electrochemistry.