Synthesis of 2-oxazolidones by sulfur-assisted thiocarboxylation with carbon monoxide and oxidative cyclization with molecular oxygen under mild conditions

Simple synthetic method on 2-oxazolidone derivatives was established. 2-Aminoethanols were easily subjected to the thiocarboxylation with carbon monoxide promoted by elemental sulfur, followed by the oxidative cyclization with molecular oxygen to give corresponding 2-oxazolidones in good yields under mild conditions (1 atm, rt). Furthermore, 2-imidazolidones and 2-thiazolidone were also prepared in good yields similarly.