Synthesis of Benzoxazoles via Intramolecular Cyclization of ortho-Halobenzanilides using Copper Fluorapatite Catalyst

An efficient method for the synthesis of benzoxazoles via intramolecular cyclization of ortho-haloanilides using heterogeneous copper fluorapatite catalyst is described. A variety of ortho-haloanilides (iodo-, bromo- and chloroanilides) were cyclized to the corresponding benzoxazoles, demonstrating the versatility of the reaction.