Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cyclization of 2-Allenylbenzoxazoles.

ABSTRACT

The enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed cyclization of 2-allenylbenzoxazoles to the corresponding vinyl-functionalized, fused heterocyclic structures is reported. The presented method offers several advantages, including the use of low catalyst loadings, commercially available catalyst precursors, and mild reaction conditions. Due to its broad scope, scalability, and valuable products, we consider this methodology to be a useful tool for the construction of benzoxazole-containing building blocks.