Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzazoles from Alcohols and o‐Substituted Anilines with a Catalytic Amount of CoII Salt

An electrochemical synthesis of benzazoles directly from alcohols and o‐substituted anilines has been developed. The reaction conditions have been optimized by varying the composition of the electrolyte and the metal salt used as catalyst. The cyclization proceeds smoothly with a catalytic amount of a cobalt salt under air at room temperature to afford 2‐substituted benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles, and benzoxazoles in good to excellent yields with a wide substrate scope.