Aerobic C(sp2)-H Hydroxylations of 2-Aryloxazolines: Fast Access to Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT)-Based Luminophores.

The direct hydroxylation of 2-aryloxazolines via a deprotonative magnesiation using TMPMgCl·LiCl and subsequent oxidation with molecular oxygen or air as a green oxidant is reported. This method proceeds under mild conditions at room temperature with high regioselectivity and chemoselectivity. The obtained phenols exhibit tunable luminescence properties, induced by excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. This method opens a new opportunity for the sustainable synthesis of luminescent organic molecules.