A modified approach to 2-(N-aryl)-1,3-oxazoles:: Application to the synthesis of the IMPDH inhibitor BMS-337197 and analogues

[GRAPHIC] A modified approach to the synthesis of 2-(N-aryl)-1,3-oxazoles, employing an optimized iminophosphorane/heterocumulene-mediated methodology, and its application to the synthesis of BMS-337197, a potent inhibitor of IMPDH, are described.