Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions of (Benz)oxazoles with Ethers

The cobalt-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of (benz)oxazoles and ethers is described. Access to some important bioactive heteroaryl ether derivatives was achieved using CoCO3 as an inexpensive catalyst at levels as low as 1.0 mol %. Investigation of the mechanism indicates a catalytic cycle involving a radical process.