An efficient synthesis of benzoxazoles using silica-supported tin exchanged silicotungstic acid catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.molcata.2010.06.009

An efficient method for the preparation of benzoxazoles by reacting aminophenols with orthoesters in the presence of silica-supported tin exchanged silicotungstic acid catalyst under mild conditions with high yield and selectivity is demonstrated. The catalysts were characterized by FT-IR and pyridine adsorbed FT-IR. The catalyst exhibited consistent activity upon recycling and is highly active compared to other catalysts. The role of Lewis acidity of the catalysts and plausible reaction mechanism is presented.