Co(III)-Catalyzed Coupling of Enaminones with Oxadiazolones for Imidazole Synthesis

Appendage speciation-oriented synthesis, as opposed to the conventional wisdom of skeleton speciation-oriented synthesis, is reported herein, emphasizing the maximization of type-, position-, and configuration-variance of appendages. A Co(III) catalytic protocol in accordance with this synthetic modality has been established for the coupling of enaminones and oxadiazolones to imidazoles, allowing the achievement of full position-variance of appendages. This translates to an expanded reaction and structural development scope and can provide fertile ground for productive organic synthesis.