Spirooxazoline Synthesis by an Oxidative Dearomatizing Cyclization

Spirocyclic compounds are of increasing importance owing to their potential applications in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Herein, we describe a new, rapid access to rarely seen spirooxazolines utilizing an I(I)/I(III) reaction manifold. The scope of the cyclization using phenols and naphthols is described along with the stereoselective functionalization of the spirocycles. The application of this method to the formation of dihydrooxazines is also demonstrated.