Synthesis of 2,5-diaryloxazoles through rhodium-catalyzed annulation of triazoles and aldehydes.

An efficient synthesis of a variety of 2,5-diaryloxazole derivatives via a rhodium-catalyzed annulation of triazoles and aldehydes is achieved. Various oxazole derivatives could be obtained in good to excellent yields. A concise synthesis of antimycobaterial natural products balsoxin and texamine has been achieved using this method.