A scalable synthesis of the (S)-4-(tert-butyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole ((S)-t-BuPyOx) ligand

An efficient method for the synthesis of the (S)-4-(tert-butyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole ((S)-t-BuPyOx) ligand has been developed. Inconsistent yields and tedious purification in known routes to (S)-t-BuPyOx suggested the need for an efficient, dependable, and scalable synthetic route. Furthermore, a route suitable for the synthesis of PyOx derivatives is desirable. Herein, we describe the development of a three-step route from inexpensive and commercially available picolinic acid. This short procedure is amenable to multi-gram scale synthesis and provides the target ligand in 64% overall yield.