One-Pot Multicomponent Coupling Reaction of Catechols, Benzyl Alcohols/Benzyl Methyl Ethers, and Ammonium Acetate toward Synthesis of Benzoxazoles.

The multicomponent coupling reaction of catechol, ammonium acetate, and benzyl alcohol/benzyl methyl ether in the presence of a Fe(III) catalyst precursor afforded benzoxazole derivatives in good to excellent yields. The notable features of this protocol are abundant availability of the catalyst system, large-scale synthesis, high diversity, and high yields of products.