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South African Journal of Chemistry

On-line version ISSN 1996-840X
Print version ISSN 0379-4350

S.Afr.j.chem. (Online) vol.66  Durban Aug. 2013

 

RESEARCH ARTICLE

 

Poly (Ethylene Glycol)-Bound Sulphonic Acid as a Novel Catalyst for Synthesis of Benzoxazoles

 

 

Rupesh V. Chikhale; Amit M. Pant; Sunil S. Menghani; Pankaj G. Wadibhasme; Pramod B. Khedekar

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Mahatma Jyotiba Fuley Shaikshanik Parisar, Amravati Road, Nagpur-440033, India

Correspondence

 

 


ABSTRACT

A highly efficient, simple and rapid method for the preparation of various 2-aminobenzoxazoles and other benzoxazole derivatives using a catalytic amount of poly (ethylene glycol)-bound sulphonic acid (PEG-SO3H) is described. PEG-SO3H is found to be economical and reusable catalyst with low catalytic loading. The percentage yield was found to be satisfactory, experimental set-up and purification of final products is facile and easy.

Keywords: Poly (ethylene glycol)-bound sulphonic acid (PEG-SO3H), 2-aminobenzoxazole, benzoxazole derivatives.


 

 

 

1. Introduction

Benzazoles like benzoxazole, benzothiazole and benzimidazole derivatives are of immense importance in chemical1, agrochemical dye-stuff2, polymer3 and pharmaceutical industries4. These compounds have a broad spectrum of biological and pharmaco-logical activities such as antihypertensive5, antiepileptic6, antimicrobial7, phosphodiesterase inhibitor8, neuropeptide binding9, antiviral10 and pesticidal activity11. Benzoxazole and its derivatives like 2-aminobenzoxazole find extensive therapeutic importance in medicine for indications such as neural disorders12, antineoplastic13, anti-inflammatory14, treatment of metabolic disorders15, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)16, antiviral17, throm-bolytic18 and sleep disorders19. The classical route for synthesis involves nucleophilic displacement of a 2-substituted benzoxa-zole, 2-substituents include Cl20,SH21, SCH322 or OPh23 with an amine. Drawbacks of these routes include penultimate interme-diates that involve multiple steps to prepare, utilization of harsh reagents and conditions, or generation of undesirable byproducts. Cyclodesulphurization of an intermediary thiourea may involve a toxic heavy-metal oxide24, potentially explosive oxidant25 or transition metal26 to facilitate cyclization. Previously reported methods to generate 2-aminobenzoxazoles directly from 2-aminophenols may require the preparation of a thioiso-cyanate27, N-cyanodithioimido carbonate28, or chloroforma-dinium salt29 prior to cyclization. 2-Aminobenzoxazoles have also been prepared directly from benzoxazoles using chloro-amines30 or formamides31 as amine substitutes. 2-Amino-benzoxazoles can also be prepared from 2-chlorobenzoxazoles by reaction with hydrazine hydrate, ammonia, or amines32.

Benzoxazol-2-amine is either obtained via reaction with concen-trated ammonia33 or with ammonia in methanol. N-Alkyl- and N-arylbenzoxazol-2-amines are formed in a solvent-free reac-tion of 2-chlorobenzoxazoles and amines34,35. Alternatively, the reaction is carried out in aqueous solution,36,37 refluxing benzene or toluene38,39, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane40 or acetonitrile/ triethylamine41; dimethylformamide is not suitable since N,N-dimethylbenzoxazol-2-amine is formed after prolonged heating42. A continued interest has led to development of wide variety of synthetic methods and new reagents for synthesis of these compounds. Many of these methods have major drawbacks such as use of expensive chemicals, poor yield, hazardous reagents, solvents, tedious work-up procedures and failures in synthetic method.

There has been a rapid and extensive growth in the development of catalysts, novel reagents for synthesis of these compounds for organic, inorganic and pharmaceutical use. Need of new, efficient, reusable, economic and eco-friendly catalyst has led to development of polymer-bound catalyst. They are used in solution phase, solid phase synthesis, microwave-assisted synthesis because these methods offer benefits such as enhanced reaction rate, greater selectivity, ease at experimental work-up and com-paratively higher yields. These are of two types; soluble and insoluble polymer based, depending on the nature of polymer and bound catalyst. The experimental work-up such as washing, filtration, isolation is easier with polymer-bound catalyst of insoluble nature. An ideal one would act as a solvent and cata-lyst; however, such examples are rare like ionic liquids, carbon dioxide, micellar systems, etc. Poly (ethylene glycols)-bound cata-lysts have been reported earlier by Wang et al. and Zare et al. for synthesis of carboxyl pheneoxyacetic acid derivatives under solvent-free conditions and acylals in the presence of solvents, respectively42,43. Recently various new catalyst are reported for the synthesis of benzazoles such as CAN supported PEG44, microwave-assisted synthesis45, Silica sulphuric acid catalyst45, but for synthesis of 2-aminobenzoxazoles these methods have some serious drawbacks relating to low substrate tolerance, low yield, weak selectivity and long reaction times.

Herein we report synthesis of 2-aminobenzoxazoles and their derivatives employing poly (ethylene glycol)-bound sulphonic acid (PEG-SO3H) that acts concurrently as reaction promoter and reaction solvent.

 

2. Experimental

2.1. Materials and Methods

The uncorrected melting and boiling points of compounds were determined by open tube capillary method using Thermonik precision apparatus (model-C-PMP-2, Mumbai, India), in Celsius scale. The purity of the compound was verified by precoated TLC plates (E-Merck Kieselgel 60 F254). IR spectra were recorded using KBr pellets on a Perkin-Elmer 337 Spectrophotometer from Perkin-Elmer International Incorporation, Rorkreuz, Switzerland (νmax in cm-1). 1H NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker W.M. 400 Spectrometer (Bruker AG, Fallanden, Switzerland) at 360 MHz using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard. (Chemical shifts in δ ppm). Mass spectra (FAB-MS) were recorded on 70 V on Jeol D-300 spectro-photometer (Jeol Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) and elemental analysis were carried out using a FLASH EA1112 CHN analyzer (Thermo Finngen, Italy).

2.2. Preparation of Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG)-Bound Sulphonic Acid Catalyst

To a solution of Poly (ethylene glycol)-6000 (1 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 mL) was added chlorosulphonic acid (10 mmol) at cold temperature (0-8 °C). The resulting solution was stirred mechanically at 20 °C for 16 h, and then concentrated under reduced pressure. Diethyl ether was added and the precipitated product was washed again three times to give PEG-SO3H (Fig. 1). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): d 12.85 (s, 1H, SO3H), 4.23 (s, 2H, CH2SO3H), 3.49-3.66 (m, PEG).

In order to determine the amount of catalyst required for carrying out these reactions, another study was carried out involving different concentrations of catalyst for individual sets of reactions, i.e. for substituted benzoxazole derivatives. The control study was carried out for representative reactions from each series. The first example involved the conversion of phenylurea into 2-aminobenzoxazole derivatives using different concentrations; the study was carried out as given in Table 1. The comparative study of required concentration and time for completion of reaction was studied (Fig. 2)

 

 

2.3. General Procedure for Synthesis of Benzoxazole Derivatives

2.3.1. General Procedure for Synthesis of Substituted Benzoxazole Derivatives starting from Substituted O-Nitro Phenols and Substituted Aldehydes (Scheme 1)

A solution of substituted o-nitro phenols (10 mmol) in a minimal quantity of chloroform was prepared and transferred into a three-neck round bottom flask. A spiral condenser, overhead stirrer and dropping funnel were attached to the reaction flask. PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added with stirring for 30 min subse-quently; substituted aldehydes (10 mmol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of 30 min and further heated for 4-6 h at 50-60 °C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room tem-perature and the resulting solid mixture was washed with strong ammonia solution and filtered to remove catalyst. The solution was evaporated under vacuum (Scheme 1). The resulting products were recrystallized from rectified spirit to obtain substituted 2-aminobenzoxazole (Table 2).

2.3.1.1. 2-Phenyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol and benzaldehyde employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5.1H NMR: δ 8.30-8.32 (m, 3H); 8.1 (dd, J = 1.2, 7.1 Hz, 1H); 7.8 (d, 8.3 Hz, 1H); 7.5 (m, 3H); 4.0 (s, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 166.6, 165.5, 150.4, 146.0, 132.1, 129.0, 127.9, 127.0, 126.5,126.3,119.5,112.2, 52.3. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 195.2166, Found: 195.200.

2.3.1.2. 2-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol and dimethoxy benzaldehyde employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf= 0.3.1H NMR: δ 8.26 (s, 1H); 8.15 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H); 8.07 (dd, J = 1.3, 7.1 Hz, 1H); 7.8 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H); 6.66 (dd, J = 2.1,6.5 Hz, 1H); 6.63 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H); 4.05 (s, 3H); 4.0 (s, 3H); 3.9 (s, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 166.8,164.3,164.1,160.3, 149.7,146.3,132.8,126.3,126.0,119.3,111.8,108.4,105.5,99.1,56.2, 55.6, 52.2. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 255.2686, Found: 255.2700. 2.3.1.3. 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol and para-methoxy benzaldehyde employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf= 0.3; 1H NMR: δ 8.26-8.23 (3H, m); 8.10 (1H, dd, J = 8.4, 1.5 Hz); 7.76(1H, d, J = 8 Hz); 7.07 (2H, m); 3.99 (3H, s); 3.93 (3H, s). 13C NMR: δ 166.7, 165.5, 162.8, 150.3, 146.3, 129.8, 126.5, 126.3, 119.0, 114.4, 112.0, 55.5, 52.3. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 225.2426 Found 225.2312. 2.3.1.4. Methyl 2-octyl-1,3-benzoxazole-6-carboxylate

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol methyl benzoate and Octanal employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf= 0.4; 1H NMR: δ 8.18 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H); 8.05 (dd, J = 1.4 Hz, 7.0 Hz, 1H); 7.69 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H); 4.0 (s, 3H); 2.95 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 1.88 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.28-1.46 (m, 10H); 0.87 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 170.2,166.7,150.4, 145.3,126.5,125.9,119.0,111.9,52.3,31.7,29.1,29.0,28.7,26.6,22.6, 14.0. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 289.3694, Found: 289.3724. 2.3.1.5. Methyl 2-propyl-1,3-benzoxazole-6-carboxylate

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol methyl benzoate and propanal employing PEG-SO3H.TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf= 0.4; 1H NMR: δ 8.16 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.05-8.02 (dd, J = 1.51,6.7 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.67 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 2.96-2.92 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.96-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.08-1.04 (t, J = 7.42 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 170.0,166.7,150.4,145.3, 126.5,125.8,119.0,111.9,52.2,30.6,20.0,13.7. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 289.3694, Found: 289.3724.

2.3.1.6. Methyl 2-pentyl-1,3-benzoxazole-6-carboxylate

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol methyl benzoate and pentanal employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4; 1H NMR: δ 8.16 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.04-8.02 (dd, J = 1.5, 6.87 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.67 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.97-2.93 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.94-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.35 (m, 4H), 0.93-0.89 (t, J = 7 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 170.2, 166.7, 150.4, 145.3, 125.9, 119.0, 111.9, 52.3, 31.2, 29.6, 28.7, 26.2, 22.2, 13.8. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 247.2896, Found: 247.2900.

2.3.1.7. 2-Cyclohexyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol and cyclohexanal employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3.1H NMR: δ 8.17 (d, J = 1 Hz, 1H); 8.04 (dd,J = 1 Hz, 7.1 Hz, 1H); 7.7 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H); 3.96 (s, 3 H); 2.97 (m, 1 H); 2.18 (m, 2 H); 1.88 (m, 2 H); 1.72 (m, 3 H); 1.27 (m, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 173.2,166.7,150.2,145.3,126.5,125.8,119.1,111.9,52.2, 38.0, 30.3, 25.6, 25.5. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 201.2643, Found: 201.2710.

2.3.1.8. 2-(Propan-2-yl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol methyl benzoate and isopropanal employing PEG-SO3H.TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5; 1H NMR: δ 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.05-8.03 (d, J = 8.33 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.69 (d, J = 8.31 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.31-3.24 (m, 1H), 1.49-1.47 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 6H). 13C NMR: δ 174.0,166.6,50.3,145.2,126.5,125.8,119.1,111.9,52.2, 28.9, 20.1. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 219.2365, Found: 219.2371.

2.3.1.9. Methyl 2-(butan-2-yl)-1,3-benzoxazole-6-carboxylate

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from o-nitro phenol methyl benzoate and isobutanal employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4; 1H NMR: ö 8.17 (1H, s); 8.03 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz); 7.69 (1H, d, J = 8 Hz); 3.94 (3H, s); 3.08 (1H, sextuplet, J = 6 Hz); 1.99-1.74 (2H, m); 1.44 (3H, d, J = 7 Hz); 0.96 (3H, t, J =7 Hz). 13C NMR: δ 173.5,166.7,150.3,145.2,126.5,125.8, 119.1, 112.0, 52.3, 35.8, 27.9, 17.7, 11.5. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 233.2631, Found: 233.2733.

2.3.1.10. 2-(6-Fluoro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)phenol

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.1 from meta fluro-3-nitro phenol and 2-hydroxy benzaldehyde employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5; 1H NMR: δ 8.23-8.26 (m, 2H); 7.70-7.74 (m, 1H); 7.55-7.58 (m, 3H); 7.33-7.35 (dd, J = 2.4 Hz, 5.6 Hz, 1H); 7.13-7.16 (m, 1H). 13C NMR: δ 131.5, 128.9, 127.4, 126.8, 120.3, 120.2, 112.6, 112.4, 98.8, 98.5. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 211.2160, Found: 211.2231.

2.3.2. General Procedure for Synthesis of Substituted Benzoxazole Derivatives starting from Substituted 2-Amino Phenols and Substituted Benzoic Acids (Scheme 2)

 

 

A solution of substituted 2-amino phenols (10 mmol) was prepared in mixture of dioxane:chloroform (1:1) arranged in a three neck flask, to it a solution of substituted benzoic acid (10 mmol) in chloroform was added drop wise over a period of 1 hour with constant stirring. To this mixture PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added and the reaction was carried out for 5 to 6 hours at 60-65 °C, progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction as determined by TLC, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the resulting solid was washed with strong ammonia solution and filtered to remove catalyst, then dried under vacuum (Scheme 2). The resulting products were recrystallized from rectified spirits to obtain substituted 2-aminobenzoxazole (Table 3).

2.3.2.11. 2-Phenyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), R = 0.5; 1H NMR: δ 8.32 (dd, 2H, J = 5.6 Hz, J = 2.1 Hz), 7.79-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.67 (m, 4H), 7.36-7.44 (m, 2H). 13C NMR: δ 163.1,150.8,142.2,131.4,128.9,127.6,127.2,125.1, 124.6,120.0,110.6. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 195.0684, Observed: 195.0683.

2.3.2.12. 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and para chloro benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), R = 0.4; 1H NMR: δ 8.22 (d, 2H, J = 7.8 Hz), 7.77-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.52 (d, 2H, J = 7.8 Hz), 7.36-7.44 (m, 2H). 13C NMR: δ 162.1, 150.8, 142.0, 137.8, 129.3, 128.9, 125.7, 125.4, 124.8, 120.1, 110.6. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 229.6617, Found: 229.7001.

2.3.2.13. 2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and 3, 4-dichloro benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5; 1H NMR: δ 8.37 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 8.09 (dd, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.77-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.45(m, 2H). 13C NMR: δ 160.9, 150.8, 141.9, 135.9, 133.5, 131.1, 129.3, 127.1, 126.5, 125.7, 125.0, 120.3, 110.7. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 264.1067, Found: 264.120. 2.3.2.14. 2-(4-Bromophenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and 4-bromo benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5; 1H NMR: δ 8.16 (m, 2H), 7.78-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.45 (m, 2H). 13C NMR: δ 162.1, 150.8, 142.0, 132.3, 129.0, 126.3, 126.1, 125.4, 124.8, 120.1, 110.7. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 274.1127, Found: 274.1221.

2.3.2.15. 4-(1,3-Benzoxazol-2-yl)benzonitrile

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and 4-cyano benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4; 1H NMR: δ 8.37 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.80-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.60-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.49 (m, 2H). 13C NMR: δ 160.6,150.9,141.9,132.7,131.1,128.0,126.2,125.1,120.6,118.2, 114.7, 110.9. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 220.2261, Found: 220.2301.

2.3.2.16. 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and 4-methoxy benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4; 1H NMR: ö 8.13 (d, 2H, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.75-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, 2H, J = 8.2 Hz), 3.91 (d, 3H, J = 0.9 Hz). 13C NMR: δ 163.2,162.3, 150.7, 142.3, 129.4, 124.6, 124.4, 119.7, 119.6, 114.4, 110.4, 55.5. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 225.2426, Found: 225.2312.

2.3.2.17. 2-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 2-amino phenol and 2-methoxy benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3; 1H NMR: δ 8.18 (dd, 1H, J = 7.7 Hz, J = 1.8 Hz), 7.83-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.11-7.17 (m, 2H), 4.06 (s, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 161.6,158.5,150.4,142.2,132.8,131.3,124.9,124.3,120.7,120.3, 116.2,112.1,110.5,56.2. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 225.2426, Found: 225.2322.

2.3.2.18. 6-Methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 4-methyl-2-amino phenol and benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3; 1H NMR: δ 8.24-8.31 (m, 2H), 7.68 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz), 7.51-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J = 0.6 Hz,), 7.19 (δ,1H, J = 8.0 Hz, J = 1.5 Hz, J = 0.6 Hz), 2.53 (s, 3H). 13C NMR: δ 162.6, 151.1, 140.0, 135.6, 131.3, 128.9, 127.5, 127.4, 125.8, 119.4, 110.8, 21.8. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 209.2432, Found: 209.2400.

2.3.2.19. 6-Chloro-2-phenyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 4-chloro-2-amino phenol and benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3; 1H NMR: δ 8.16-8.23 (m, 2H), 7.64 (d, 1H, J = 8.5 Hz), 7.55 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz), 7.45-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.30 (dd, 1H, J = 8.5 Hz, J = 1.9 Hz. 13C NMR: δ 163.7,151.0, 140.9, 131.8, 130.7, 129.0, 127.7, 126.8, 125.3, 120.5, 111.2. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 229.6617, Found: 229.8901.

2.3.2.20. 6-Fluoro-2-phenyl-1,3-benzoxazole

It was synthesized by procedure as given in 2.3.2 from 4-fluro-2-amino phenol and benzoic acid employing PEG-SO3H. TLC (1:1 CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3; 1H NMR: δ 8.20-8.28 (m, 2H), 7.72 (dd, 1H, J = 8.8 Hz, J = 4.9 Hz), 7.50-7.59 (m, 3H), 7.33 (dd, 1H, J = 8.0 Hz, J = 2.3 Hz), 7.13 (td, 1H, J = 8.8 Hz, J = 2.3 Hz). 13C NMR: 138.4, 131.6, 128.9, 127.5, 126.9, 120.3. HRMS (M+) Calculated: 213.2071, Found: 213.2082.

2.3.3. General Procedure for Synthesis of Substituted 2-Amino Benzoxazole Derivatives starting from Substituted Anilines (Scheme 3)

 

 

Synthesis of substituted benzoxazol-2-amine or substituted 2-aminobenzoxazoles was carried out in two steps. The first step involves the synthesis of substituted phenylurea from parent anilines followed by PEG-SO3H promoted cyclization. Substi-tuted aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask con-taining water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) and was stirred for 1 hour. The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitate so obtained was filtered and dried. A solution of substituted phenylurea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloroform, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C; progress and comple-tion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After comple-tion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipitation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirits (Scheme 3, Table 4).

 

 

2.3.3.21.1,3-Benzoxazol-2-amine

Synthesis of 1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine was carried out in two steps. Aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask con-taining water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) and was stirred for 1 hour. The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitate was filtered and dried.

A solution of phenylurea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloro-form, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C, progress and completion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After completion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipitation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirits. Yield: 97 %, mp: 128-132 °C, TLC (1:1; CH2Cl2:hexane), R = 0.5.

2.3.3.22. 6-Methyl-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine

Synthesis of 6-methyl-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine was carried out in two steps, 4-methyl aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask containing water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) was stirred for 1 hour. The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitated was filtered and dried.

A solution of tolylurea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloroform, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C, progress and comple-tion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After comple-tion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipitation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirits. Yield: 95 %, mp: 112-114 °C, TLC (1:1; CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.5.

2.3.3.23. 6-Nitro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine

Synthesis of 6-nitro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine was carried out in two steps, para-nitro aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask containing water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) was stirred for 1 hour. The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitated was filtered and dried.

A solution of para-nitrophenyl urea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloroform, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C, progress and completion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After completion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipitation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirits. Yield: 92 %, mp: 150-152 °C, TLC (1:1; CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4.

2.3.3.24. 6-Chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine

Synthesis of 4-chloro-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine was carried out in two steps, para-chloro aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask containing water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) was stirred for 1 hour.

The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitated was filtered and dried.

A solution of para-chlorophenyl urea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloroform, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C, progress and completion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After completion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipitation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirits. Yield: 97 %, mp: 180-185 °C, TLC (1:1; CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.4.

2.3.3.25. 6-Bromo-l,3-benzoxazol-2-amine

Synthesis of 4-bromo-1,3-benzoxazol-2-amine was carried out in two steps, para-bromo aniline (10 mmol) was added to round bottom flask containing water. To it was added conc. HCl (10 mL), the mixture was warmed for about 10 min followed by addition of potassium cyanate (10 mmol) was stirred for 1 hour. The solid was allowed to precipitate (at low temperature 0-5 °C) the precipitate was filtered and dried.

A solution of para-bromophenyl urea (10 mmol) was prepared in chloroform, to it PEG-SO3H (2.1 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for about 6 to 7 hours at 80-90 °C, progress and completion of reaction was monitored by TLC method. After completion of the reaction it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The catalyst was filtered out. Filtrate was made basic by addition of ammonia solution leading to precipi-tation of the product which was collected and further recrystallized from rectified spirit. Yield: 93 %, mp: 172-174 °C, TLC (1:1; CH2Cl2:hexane), Rf = 0.3.

 

3. Results and Discussion

The present article describes a highly economical, facile and clean method for synthesis of chemically and pharmaceutically important benzoxazole derivatives by employing poly (ethylene glycol) supported sulphonic acid (PEG-SO3H) as a reusable catalyst. PEG acts as support for sulphonic acid catalyst as well as solvent medium. A study presented by Zare et. al. was taken in consideration to determine and optimize a optimal catalyst system for the synthesis of 2-aminobenzoxazole. Different molar concentrations of catalyst, duration of reaction, and use of sol-vent systems were used as presented in Table 1. It was observed that synthesis of 2-aminobenzoxazole was obtained in highest yield of 97 % at about 80-90 °C in presence of a solvent system consisting of chloroform, instead of 78 % when the reaction was carried out in presence of PEG alone. The concentration of PEG-SO3H needed was studied keeping solvent and tempera-ture constant; it was found that use of ~2.1 mmol of catalyst gave optimum results. As the catalyst was recovered after each reac-tion, the ability to recycle the catalyst was investigated. After 3-4 cycles of use the % yield was hampered also the consistence of PEG-SO3H has changed. However, it was found that up to 3 cycles the catalytic activity provided good yield of reaction product. This encouraged the use of PEG-SO3H in the synthesis of 2-amino derivatives of benzoxazole. A variety of substituent and methods were tested and two of these methods were opti-mized for their synthetic applicability. First, the syntheses use 2-nitro phenols with aldehydes and second the synthesis involv-ing 2-nitro phenols and carboxylic acids.

The first method involves the synthesis of benzoxazoles from substituted 2-nitro phenols and allyl or aryl aldehydes (Scheme 1). This method was optimized by use of chloroform as solvent medium along with PEG-SO3H, 4-6 hours at 50 to 60 °C for the synthesis of 2-aminobenzoxazole derivatives. The prod-ucts were obtained in a range of 90 to 96 % which is satisfactory, also for production on large scale (Table 2). The products like allyl derivatives found application in the coating industry and production of olefins. The second method involved the synthesis of benzoxazoles from 2-nitro phenols and carboxylic acids (Scheme 2). This method was optimized by use of a solvent sys-tem consisting of dioxane: chloroform (1:1) at 60-65 °C for about 5-6 hours. The % yield was found to be satisfactory in the range 90 to 97 % (Table 3).

With reference to Scheme 3, all compounds (Table 4) are known and widely used for scaffold synthesis. These com-pounds were synthesized in excellent yields as compared to other methods; however our method involves two steps. In the first step phenyl urea of respective anilines was synthesized followed by their cyclization employing PEG-SO3H as a mild catalyst. Their physico-chemical properties are similar than that of the standard compounds which are commercially available.

All the synthesized compounds were analyzed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-MS for establishing their structures, compound 2.3.1.1 (Table 2, entry 10), compound 2.3.2.11 (Table 3, entries 1-20) and compound 2.3.3.21 (Table 4, entries 21-25) are compounds prepared by different methods hence their physico-chemical properties were studied and it was found to be identical to authentic samples prepared by different methods. This provided us with a new synthetic route to a variety of com-pounds and with the option of different substituents.

In summary, we have developed an more eco-friendly method to synthesize benzoxazole derivatives in excellent yields with high purity using a reusable PEG-SO3H catalyst very economically.

Acknowledgements

RVC is thankful to the Council of Scientific and industrial Research (CSIR) New Delhi, India, for providing financial support in form of SRF: 09/128/0080/2011/EMR-I. PBK acknowl-edges financial support by the University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi, India, in the form of Major Research Project 41-744/2012 (SR).

 

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Correspondence:
E-mail: rupeshchikhale7@gmail.com

Received 24 December 2012
Revised 31 May 2013
Accepted 19 August 2013

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