Willgerodt-Kindler reaction-driven one pot solventless entry to 2-oxazolines

We report an efficient and green protocol for the synthesis of 2-oxazolines by the reaction of aromatic nitriles with -aminoalcohols using sulfur under solvent-free conditions. The reaction occurs via the Willgerodt-Kindler mechanism followed by transamidation and dehydrosulfuration. This methodology offers several advantages such as good yields, mild and practical reaction conditions, simple work-up procedure, and broad substrate scope, which makes the process simple, convenient, and environmental-friendly. [GRAPHICS]