A convenient one-pot synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes and their application toward 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ones.

The first direct one-pot approach for the synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes from secondary amides or the intermediate amides has been developed. Through the Ph3P-I2-mediated dehydrative condensation, a variety of N-aryl and N-alkyl amidoximes (R1(C[double bond, length as m-dash]NOH)NHR2, where R1 or R2 = aryl, alkyl, or benzyl) were readily afforded under mild conditions and short reaction times. The synthetic application of the obtained amidoximes has also been demonstrated through the formation of 1,2,4-oxadiazolones via base-mediated carbonylative cyclization with 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Introduction

N-Substituted amidoximes are privileged structures that have been used extensively as versatile building blocks in the synthesis of various heterocycles such as benzimidazoles,[1] 4-aminoquinazolines,[2] 1-aminoisoquinolines,[3] oxadiazoles,[4] oxadiazolones (thiones),[5] and triazoles.[1] They also serve as the key intermediates in the synthesis of amidines as well as metal ion chelating ligands in coordination chemistry.[6] In drug development, various N-substituted amidoxime derivatives have been introduced as prodrug candidates to achieve good cell permeability and oral bioavailability.[6] The representative examples are shown in Fig. 1. Epacadostat (A) is currently being studied in a phase 3 clinical trial in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.[7]B is a novel inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.[8]C and D are potent inhibitors of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase.[9] Oseltamivir prodrug E has been developed as an anti-influenza agent with favourable pharmacokinetics.[10]

Fig. 1

Examples of bioactive N-substituted amidoximes.

Despite their essential applications, only a limited number of synthetic routes for N-substituted amidoximes has been reported in the literature. Whereas the synthesis of unsubstituted amidoximes starting from benzonitriles is well-established,[6] the synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes is much less straightforward requiring laborious multistep procedures.

One of the most commonly used methods involves the reaction of amines with N-hydroxyimidoyl chloride (I).[11] However, I is not readily available and has to be prepared in two steps starting from condensation of aldehydes with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, followed by chlorination of the formed oximes with N-chlorosuccinimide[12] or chlorine gas.[5] Moreover, the protocol is ineffective for preparing aliphatic imidoyl chlorides as the starting aldehydes are less reactive. Aliphatic imidoyl chlorides are also highly unstable and are often obtained in low yields.[12,13]

Alternatively, N-substituted amidoximes could be synthesized via the addition of hydroxylamine or its analogs to the activated amide derivatives such as imidoyl chloride (II) derived from dehydrative chlorination of secondary amide with PCl5 or P2O5,[14] thioamide (III) from treatment of the starting amides with Lawesson's reagent (p-methoxyphenylthionophosphine sulphide dimer),[15] or imidoylbenzotriazole (IV) from the reaction of an amide with oxalyl chloride and benzotriazole.[16] Other methods include hydrolysis of 1,2,4-oxadiazolones (V),[17] or the reaction of primary nitroalkanes (VI) with amines[18] or lithium amides.[19] However, these approaches suffer from various limitations such as the use of highly toxic reagents, multistep synthesis with tedious work-up and purification, harsh reaction conditions, long reaction times, low yields, and limit substrate scope. Therefore, the development of general and practical one-pot approaches to access a variety of amidoximes derivatives from readily available precursors is still desirable.

In the recent years, iodine-mediated organic synthesis has attracted considerable attention.[20] This could be attributed to its inexpensiveness, green nature, and high efficiency in promoting a range of reactions. In particular, the combination of iodine with triphenylphosphine (Ph3P) provides a highly effective dehydrating agent leading to rapid and high yielding synthesis under mild reaction conditions.[21] In a continuation of our interest in developing facile one-pot methods using the Ph3P–I2 combination,[22] we have designed a one-pot approach for the synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes which enables the use of inexpensive and commercially available secondary amides, acid chlorides or carboxylic acids as the key precursors (Scheme 1). Herein, we wish to report our detailed study in this aspect.

Scheme 1

Synthetic approaches toward N-substituted amidoximes.

Results and discussion

We started our investigations by optimizing the reaction of N-phenylbenzamide (1a) with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Typically, the reaction was carried out by addition of N-phenylbenzamide (1 equiv.) into a mixture of Ph3P (1.5 equiv.) and halogenated additive (1.5 equiv.) in freshly dry dichloromethane, followed by addition of base (5 equiv.) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.5 equiv.).

As shown in Table 1, among the tested organic bases, only triethylamine gave rise to the formation of the desired product 2a in high yield (entries 1–6). The reaction in the presence of the commonly used imidazole gave the product in low yield (entry 4). Using diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) although led to increase conversion to the product (entry 5), the reaction was incomplete even after 24 h. According to entries 7–9, the reaction did not proceed when replacing iodine with other halogenated additives such as N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS), N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), or carbon tetrabromide (CBr4). In addition, no conversion was observed when the reaction was carried out in the absence of Ph3P (entry 10) indicating that phosphonium iodide or triphenylphosphoranediiodide are acting as the key activating species. It should be noted also that the reaction did not proceed when using oxalyl chloride or thionyl chloride as the dehydrating agent.

Optimization of the reaction conditionsa

Entry	Reagent	Base	Yield (%)
1	I2/Ph3P	DABCO	nr
2	I2/Ph3P	DBU	Trace
3	I2/Ph3P	NMM	10
4	I2/Ph3P	Imidazole	20
5	I2/Ph3P	DIPEA	45
6	I2/Ph3P	Et3N	85
7	NCS/Ph3P	Et3N	nr
8	NBS/Ph3P	Et3N	nr
9	CBr4/Ph3P	Et3N	nr
10	I2	Et3N	nr

Reaction conditions: N-phenylbenzamide (0.28 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.42 mmol), Ph3P (0.42 mmol), additive (0.42 mmol), base (1.4 mmol), CH2Cl2 (2 mL), 0 °C-RT, 2 h. nr = no reaction.

With the optimized reaction conditions in hand, the scope and generality of the reaction were studied. For this purpose, the reactions of diverse N-substituted aromatic and aliphatic amides were investigated, and the results are shown in Scheme 2. N-Aryl substituted secondary amides bearing either an electron-donating group (EDG), such as methyl or methoxy, or an electron-withdrawing group (EWG), such as chloro, bromo, or nitro on the N-phenyl ring underwent smooth conversion to give 2a–2e in high yields. However, the electronic effect of the 4-nitro group in the aromatic ring of R1 of amide 1f seems to lower the yield of 2f. The condition is applicable to substrate bearing heterocyclic ring although slightly lower yield of the product 2g was obtained due to the difficulty in the product isolation.

Scheme 2

Synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes 2 starting from amides.

N-Alkyl substituted amides were also converted into the corresponding amidoximes 2h–2i in satisfactory yields. Unlike other reported procedures which are not suitable for preparation of amidoximes with R1 = alkyl,[12,13] our conditions enable the synthesis of various acetimidamide derivatives such as 2j–2l from N-arylacetamide substrates without any difficulty. Other secondary amides having R1 = ethyl, benzyl, or even long alkyl chain also provided the products 2m–2o in moderate to high yields. Additionally, the reaction condition is applicable with amides bearing α,β-unsaturated moiety. The exclusive formation of amidoximes 2p and 2q indicated no complication due to Michael addition to the α,β-unsaturated system. The presence of steric ortho-substituted methyl group did not affect the reaction (see compound 2p). It should be noted that primary amide is also a viable substrate as illustrated in the synthesis of compound 2r. However, the reactions with tertiary amides such as N,N-dimethylbenzamide or N-benzoylpiperidine failed to give the amidoxime products (data not shown).

With the success in the formation of N-substituted amidoximes from amide substrates, we thus further investigated a direct one-pot reaction toward amidoximes using acid chlorides or carboxylic acids as the amide precursors. According to Scheme 3, condensation of amines with acid chlorides led to an in situ formation of amides which could then be activated with Ph3P–I2 before treatment with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The reaction using benzoyl chloride gave rise to various amidoximes having N-aryl or N-alkyl substituent in moderate to good yields.

Scheme 3

Synthesis of N-substituted amidoximes through in situ formation of amides.

Due to the remarkable difference in the reactivity of carboxylic acid and amide, it was envisioned that a direct one-pot synthesis of amidoximes from carboxylic acids via intermediate amides would be possible through a sequential addition of an amine, then hydroxylamine hydrochloride to a carboxylic acid in the presence of an excessive amount of dehydrating agent.

To our delight, the procedure enables the synthesis of various N-substituted amidoximes in moderate to good yields (Scheme 3). No complication from the formation of amidine side-product was observed. This one-pot three-component coupling led to an improve in the efficiency of the reaction avoiding laborious separation and purification of the amide intermediate.

Based on the obtained results and our previous experiences in the Ph3P–I2-mediated synthesis, the mechanism for the formation of N-substituted amidoximes was proposed as shown in Scheme 4. The combination of Ph3P with I2 provides triphenylphosphoranediiodide I and triphenylphosphonium iodide II. Upon additon of an amide and base, phosphorylation at the oxygen atom of the amide then leads to the formation of imidinium intermediate III. This species could be converted into another reactive intermediate, imidoyl iodide IV. Displacement of III or IV with hydroxylamine hydrochloride then gives rise to N-substituted amidoxime.

Scheme 4

Proposed mechanism for the Ph3P–I2 mediated synthesis of N-substituted amidoxime.

To obtain scientific evidences regarding the mechanism of the process, 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the progress of the reaction of N-phenylbenzamide. As shown in Scheme 4 and Fig. S1 (ESI†), addition of Ph3P to the deuterated chloroform solution of I2 resulted in an appearance of a resonance peak at −19.8 ppm corresponded to phosphoranediiodide species I.[23] No significant change in the 31P{1H} NMR spectrum was observed after adding N-phenylbenzamide except that a small signal appeared at 42.8 ppm. This signal could be attributed to the presence of phosphonium salt II. Upon adding Et3N, a signal of Ph3PO rapidly appeared at 29.16 ppm as a major peak along with some other minor phosphorus species. Unfortunately, the signal arises from phosphonium salt intermediate III could not be observed. This data suggests a rapid conversion of III to IV leading to a release of Ph3PO at this stage. Addition of hydroxylamine hydrochloride finally led to a complete disappearance of the species I, while the signal of Ph3PO appeared in a greater amount.

To our delight, when monitoring the reaction between benzoyl chloride and aniline, a signal at 65.38 ppm which could be attributed to the amide phosphonium salt III was detected upon adding Ph3P and I2 to the preformed N-phenylbenzamide (Fig. S1, ESI†). This data is consistent with the observed chemical shift for the nucleoside phosphonium salt (δ = 66.2 ppm) in the synthesis of O6-(benzotriazol-1-yl)inosine nucleosides promoted by the same reagent combination.[24]

To further demonstrate the synthetic application of the developed methodology, the conversion of 2 into 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one 3 was investigated. These structures are known to be valuable heterocycles as amidine precursors[25] or as bioisosteric replacement for the carboxylic acid, amide or ester.[26] Additionally, compounds bearing oxadiazolone pharmacophore have been shown to possess a range of pharmacological and biological activities.[14] The reported methods for the preparation of 1,2,4-oxadiazolones from N-substituted amidoximes often require multiple steps, harsh reaction conditions, and long reaction times.[5,14]

Through a screening for the best reaction conditions, it was found that, by treatment of amidoximes 2 with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) in the presence of finely ground potassium carbonate, carbonylative cyclization proceeded rapidly to afford products 3 in good to excellent yields (Scheme 5). The reaction took place within 10–20 min at room temperature rather than several hours under the reported refluxing conditions.[14] The method is also applicable with a range of amidoxime substrates containing N-aryl, N-alkyl, and N-benzyl groups.

Scheme 5

Synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-ones 3.

Conclusions

In summary, we have developed a convenient one-pot approach for the preparation of N-substituted amidoximes from amides, or the requisite acid chlorides, or carboxylic acids. The protocol represents a fast, efficient, and economic alternative to the earlier reported multistep methods. The mild nature of the procedure enables a range of starting materials accessible. One application of amidoximes as building blocks in the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-ones via base-mediated carbonylative cyclization has been demonstrated. Further utility of these amidoximes in organic synthesis of other important pharmacophores is anticipated.

Experimental

General information

All reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Co., USA, and used without further purification. Dichloromethane was freshly distilled over CaH2 before use. The reaction was monitored by thin-layer chromatography carried out on silica gel plates (60F254, MERCK, Germany) and visualized under UV light (254 nm). Melting points were determined using Mettler Toledo DSC equipment at a heating rate of 6 °C min−1 and are uncorrected. NMR spectra were determined using a Bruker AVANCE™ (400 MHz for 1H). Chemical shifts were reported in parts per million (ppm, δ) downfield from TMS. High resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were recorded using the LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS system consisted of a Waters Alliance 2695 LC-DAD and a Q-TOF 2 (quadrupole mass filter-time-of-fiight) mass spectrometer with a Z-spray ES source.

General procedure for the synthesis of amidoximes from amides or acid chloride

To a solution of iodine (0.1904 g, 0.75 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (0.1967 g, 0.75 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (4 mL) was added amide (0.50 mmol), triethylamine (0.35 mL, 2.50 mmol), and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.0521 g, 0.75 mmol) at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was then warm up to room temperature and stirred until completion of the reaction (typically within 2 h). The crude mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure then purified by column chromatography using 30–70% ethyl acetate in hexane. For the synthesis of amidoximes from acid chloride, a mixture of acid chloride (0.50 mmol), amine (0.50 mmol), and triethylamine (0.10 mL, 0.75 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (4 mL) was stirred at 0 °C to room temperature until complete disappearance of the acid chloride. The in situ generated amide was then subjected to the reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride as described above.

General procedure for the synthesis of amidoximes from carboxylic acids

To a solution of iodine (0.3807 g, 1.5 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (0.3935 g, 1.5 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (5 mL) was added in one portion with carboxylic acid derivative (0.50 mmol), and amine (0.50 mmol), followed by triethylamine (0.45 mL, 3.25 mmol) at 0 °C. The resulting mixture was continuously stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.0521 g, 0.75 mmol) was then added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir until completion of the reaction (typically within 2 h). The crude mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure then purified by column chromatography using 30–70% ethyl acetate in hexane.

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-phenylbenzimidamide (2a)[29]

White solid (0.0904 g, 85% yield), mp 137–138 °C (lit. 29 mp 136 °C); Rf 0.57 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.45 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(p-tolyl)benzimidamide (2b)[30]

White solid (0.0864 g, 76% yield), mp 178–179 °C (lit. 30 mp 176–177 °C); Rf 0.30 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.44 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.58 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzimidamide (2c)[31]

White solid (0.0913 g, 75% yield), mp 139–141 °C (lit. 31 mp 154.4–157.2 °C); Rf 0.36 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.41 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.66 (s, 4H), 3.71 (s, 3H).

(Z)-N-(4-Bromophenyl)-N′-hydroxybenzimidamide (2d)[31]

White solid (0.1126 g, 77% yield), mp 193–195 °C (lit. 31 mp 192–193.5 °C); Rf 0.33 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.37–7.31 (m, 3H), 7.30–7.25 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(4-nitrophenyl)benzimidamide (2e)[32]

Yellow solid (0.1032 g, 80% yield), mp 149–151 °C (lit. 32 mp 152 °C); Rf 0.32 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.99 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.51–7.45 (m, 3H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.65 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-nitrobenzimidamide (2f)[32]

White solid (0.0936 g, 65% yield), mp 160–162 °C (lit. 32 mp 163 °C); Rf 0.60 (40% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.07 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (s, 4H), 3.67 (s, 3H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(pyridin-4-yl)benzimidamide (2g)

White solid (0.0558 g, 52% yield), mp 225–226 °C; Rf 0.35 (60% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3 + 4 drops of CD3OD) δ 8.04 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 7.39–7.30 (m, 5H), 6.40 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3 + 4 drops of CD3OD) δ 159.1, 149.04, 147.6, 130.70, 130.19, 128.77, 127.87, 113.23; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C12H11N3NaO [M + Na]+ 236.0800, found 236.0807.

(Z)-N-Butyl-N′-hydroxy-4-methylbenzimidamide (2h)[33]

Yellow oil (0.0845 g, 82% yield); Rf 0.33 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.37 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.26 (br s, 1H), 3.03 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 1.44 (quin, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.32 (sex, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.87 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H).

(Z)-N-Butyl-2-chloro-N′-hydroxybenzimidamide (2i)

Colorless oil (0.0671 g, 59% yield); Rf 0.45 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.44–7.28 (m, 4H), 5.39 (brs, 1H), 2.87 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.88 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H), 1.40 (quin, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (sex, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) 153.7, 133.9, 131.47, 130.9, 130.6, 129.6, 126.7, 42.56, 33.0, 19.7, 13.7; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C11H15ClN2NaO [M + Na]+ 249.0771, found 249.0774.

(Z)-N-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-N′-hydroxyacetimidamide (2j)

White solid (0.0775 g, 80% yield), mp 132–134 °C; Rf 0.41 (40% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.04 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.03 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.43 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H).

(Z)-N-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N′-hydroxyacetimidamide (2k)[34]

White solid (0.0695 g, 75% yield), mp 133–135 °C (lit. 34 mp 132–133 °C); Rf 0.40 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.31 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 1.97 (s, 3H).

(Z)-N-(4-Bromophenyl)-N′-hydroxyacetimidamide (2l)[18]

White solid (0.0825 g, 72% yield), mp 86–87 °C; Rf 0.51 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.45 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 1.99 (s, 3H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-phenylpropionimidamide (2m)[19]

Yellow oil (0.0553 g, 67% yield), Rf 0.35 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.35 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (q, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.05 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 3H).

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)acetimidamide (2n)

White solid (0.1158 g, 81% yield), mp 133–134 °C; Rf 0.67 (40% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.34 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.64 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 169.6, 159.0, 156.5, 130.9, 130.6, 126.6, 121.8, 114.5, 114.0, 55.5, 55.3, 43.6; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C16H19N2O3 [M + H]+ 287.1396, found 287.1398.

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N,4-diphenylbutanimidamide (2o)

Yellow oil (0.0819 g, 64% yield); Rf 0.36 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.33 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.21–7.17 (m, 2H), 7.11–7.16 (m, 4H), 2.61 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.45 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.80 (quin, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 153.0, 141.6, 138.9, 129.2, 128.5, 128.3, 125.8, 124.7, 124.2, 35.2, 28.5, 27.7; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C16H19N2O [M + H]+ 255.1497, found 255.1494.

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(o-tolyl)cinnamimidamide (2p)

White solid (0.0909 g, 72% yield), mp 120–122 °C; Rf 0.50 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.40–7.30 (m, 5H), 7.22 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18–7.05 (m, 4H), 6.48 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1H), 2.34 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 150.9, 137.7, 136.1, 134.7, 131.1, 130.8, 128.7, 128.7, 127.1, 126.6, 124.4, 124.0, 117.9, 18.0; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C16H17N2O [M + H]+ 253.1341.1916, found 253.1338.

(Z)-N′-Hydroxy-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)cinnamimidamide (2q)

Yellow oil (0.1073 g, 76% yield); Rf 0.34 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.43–7.40 (m, 2H), 7.36–7.24 (m, 5H), 7.20 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H), 5.61 (br s, 1H), 4.39 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 153.9, 136.0, 135.6, 131.4, 128.7, 128.2, 127.1, 116.9, 114.1, 55.3, 46.4; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C17H19N2O2 [M + H]+ 283.1447, found 283.1454.

(Z)-N′-Hydroxybenzimidamide (2r)[35]

Colorless oil (0.0458 g, 67% yield); Rf 0.70 (40% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.62 (dd, J = 7.6, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.41–7.34 (m, 3H), 4.98 (s, 2H) 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 152.9, 132.5, 130.0, 128.7, 126.0.

(Z)-4-(tert-Butyl)-N-cyclohexyl-N′-hydroxybenzimidamide (2s)

White solid (0.0715 g, 52% yield), mp 139–140 °C; Rf 0.36 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.41 (s, 4H), 5.21 (d, J = 10.0 Hz, 1H), 3.15–3.10 (m, 1H), 1.85–1.80 (m, 2H), 1.69–1.67 (m, 2H), 1.54–1.51 (m, 1H), 1.35 (s, 9H), 1.20–1.13 (m, 5H).

General procedure for the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one

To a solution of N-substituted amidoxime 2 (0.30 mmol) dissolved in acetonitrile (2.0 mL) was added 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (0.0584 g, 0.36 mmol), followed by finely grounded K2CO3 (0.2073 g, 1.50 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10–20 min. The crude mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and then purified by short column chromatography using 10–40% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the corresponding product.

3,4-Diphenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3a)[36]

White solid (0.0707 g, 99% yield), mp 167–168 °C (lit. 36 mp 168–169 °C); Rf 0.57 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.53–7.45 (m, 4H), 7.40–7.36 (m, 4H), 7.27–7.22 (m, 2H).

3-Phenyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3b)[37]

White solid (0.0742 g, 98% yield), mp 163–164 °C (lit. 37 mp 163 °C); Rf 0.51 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.53–7.47 (m, 1H), 7.39 (s, 2H), 7.38 (s, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H).

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3c)[31]

White solid (0.0781 g, 97% yield), mp 161–162 °C (lit. 31 mp 158.1–160.2 °C); Rf 0.52 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55–7.46 (m, 1H), 7.40 (s, 2H), 7.39 (s, 2H), 7.17 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H).

4-(4-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3d)[32]

Yellow oil (0.0849 g, 100% yield), Rf 0.44 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.31 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H).

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3e)[32]

White solid (0.0743 g, 79% yield), mp 173–174 °C; Rf 0.53 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.25 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

3-Phenyl-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3f)

White solid (0.0503 g, 70% yield), mp 167–168 °C; Rf 0.30 (40% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.71 (dd, J = 4.4, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (dd, J = 4.4, 1.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 156.8, 151.4, 139.6, 132.5, 129.3, 128.3, 122.4, 120.1; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C13H9N2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 262.0592, found 262.0589.

3-(4-(tert-Butyl)phenyl)-4-cyclohexyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3g)

White solid (0.0803 g, 89% yield), mp 172–173 °C; Rf 0.36 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.59 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 3.75–3.60 (m, 1H), 2.41–2.17 (m, 2H), 1.89–1.85 (m, 2H), 1.82–1.76 (m, 2H), 1.66–1.63 (m, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.29–1.20 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.2, 158.7, 155.5, 128.4, 126.3, 120.5, 55.4, 35.1, 31.1, 29.2, 25.5, 24.5; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C18H25N2O2 [M + H]+ 301.1916, found 301.1923.

4-Butyl-3-(p-tolyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3h)

Yellow oil (0.0621 g, 89% yield), Rf 0.49 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.47 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.68 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 1.60 (quin, J = 4.4 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (sex, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.87 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 152.9, 142.6, 130.1, 128.1, 120.6, 42.8, 30.4, 21.6, 19.5, 13.4; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C13H17N2O2 [M + H]+ 233.1290, found 233.1286.

4-Butyl-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3i)

Colorless oil (0.0654 g, 86% yield), Rf 0.43 (20% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.63–7.57 (m, 2H), 7.51–7.46 (m, 2H), 3.52 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.50 (quin, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.20 (sex, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.79 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.1, 157.3, 134.0, 133.4, 131.7, 130.4, 127.6, 123.1, 42.8, 30.0, 19.4, 13.3; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C12H1335Cl N2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 275.0563, found 275.0560, for C12H1337ClN2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 277.0533, found 277.0536.

4-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3j)

White solid (0.0544 g, 82% yield), mp 83.7–84.2 °C; Rf 0.50 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.21 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.08 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 1.45 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 160.0, 158.4, 156.6, 128.1, 123.3, 115.7, 64.0, 14.7, 11.0; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C11H13N2O3 [M + H]+ 221.0926, found 221.0929.

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3k)

White solid (0.0501 g, 79% yield), mp 137–138 °C; Rf 0.49 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 2.19 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 157.7, 156.0, 136.0, 130.4, 129.6, 128.0, 11.1; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C9H735Cl N2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 233.0094, found 233.0088, for C9H737ClN2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 235.0064, found 235.0061.

4-(4-Bromophenyl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3l)

White solid (0.0591 g, 77% yield), mp 160–162 °C; Rf 0.35 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.68 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 157.7, 155.8, 133.4, 130.1, 128.2, 124.1, 11.1; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C9H779Br N2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 276.9589, found 276.9586, for C9H781BrN2NaO2 [M + Na]+ 278.9569, found 278.9564.

4-Phenyl-3-(3-phenylpropyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3m)

Yellow oil (0.0683 g, 81% yield); Rf 0.37 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55–7.51 (m, 3H), 7.29–7.21 (m, 5H), 7.22 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.66 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.51 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.91 (quin, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.8, 154.1, 140.2, 131.1, 130.1, 130.0, 128.5, 128.4, 126.8, 126.3, 34.6, 26.0, 24.4; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C17H17N2O2 [M + H]+ 281.1290, found 281.1287.

(E)-3-Styryl-4-(o-tolyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3n)

Colorless oil (0.0720 g, 86% yield), Rf 0.60 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.51 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.45–7.33 (m, 7H), 7.29 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 157.9, 156.1, 139.9, 136.7, 134.1, 131.9, 130.8, 130.5, 130.1, 129.0, 128.5, 127.8, 127.6, 108.1, 17.6; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C17H15N2O2 [M + H]+ 279.1134, found 279.1129.

(E)-4-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-3-styryl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5(4H)-one (3o)

White solid (0.0771 g, 83% yield), mp 113–114 °C; Rf 0.47 (30% EtOAc/hexanes); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.55 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1H), 7.47–7.40 (m, 5H), 7.27 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.45 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1H), 4.84 (s, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.9, 156.5, 140.5, 134.2, 130.5, 129.2, 129.1, 128.8, 127.6, 126.3, 114.7, 107.5, 55.4, 45.5; HRMS (ESI-TOF) m/z: calcd for C18H16N2NaO3 [M + Na]+ 331.1059, found 331.1053.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts to declare.