Furoxans (1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxides) can be synthesized from the corresponding styrenes using NOBF4 under basic or even almost neutral reaction conditions. Acid-sensitive functional groups are tolerated under the developed basic conditions. For the substrates having poor reactivity, almost neutral conditions (using pyridine equimolar to NOBF4) are suitable for better yields.
Key words
heterocycles - nitrogen-containing compounds - furoxans - styrenes - cyclization