Zirconium Dodecylphosphonate: Selective and Constructive Catalyst for Preparation of 2-Alkyl Benzoxazoles from Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids

In this study, zirconium dodecylphosphonate was synthesized by the reported method in scientific literature. 2-Alkylbenzoxazoles were prepared from aliphatic carboxylic acids and 2-aminophenol in the presence of this catalyst under solvent-free conditions at 100°C. Their structures were recognized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Then, we used aromatic carboxylic acids in the similar reaction. But, the results show aromatic carboxylic acids don’t react with 2-aminophenol. So, this method introduces a selective and constructive method for synthesis of 2-alkyl benzoxazoles without salt formation. On the other hand, this research offers several advantages such as high yields, good reaction times, easy work-up and use of a safe catalyst.