Iron(II) bromide-catalyzed oxidative coupling of benzylamines with ortho-substituted anilines: synthesis of 1,3-benzazoles

An iron(II) bromide-catalyzed oxidative coupling of benzylamines with 2-amino/hydroxy/mercapto-anilines has been developed, allowing the synthesis of a diversity of substituted 1,3-benzazoles in good to excellent yields. This transformation is compatible with a wide range of functional groups. The method is practical, economical and employs molecular oxygen as an oxidant.