Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzazoles from Alcohols and o-Substituted Anilines with a Catalytic Amount of Co(II) Salt.

An electrochemical synthesis of benzazoles directly from alcohols and o-substituted anilines has been developed. The reaction conditions have been optimized by varying the composition of the electrolyte and the metal salt used as catalyst. The cyclization proceeds smoothly with a catalytic amount of a cobalt salt under air at room temperature to afford 2-substituted benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles, and benzoxazoles in good to excellent yields with a wide substrate scope.