A New Route of Synthesis of 3a,6a-Dihydro-oxazolo[5,4-d]oxazole Derivatives.

The electrochemical reduction of N-acylated imidates of a typical structure (Sch. 1) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis at mercury electrode in aprotic solvent. Electrodimerization occurs at the first wave and leads to the formation of 3a,6a-dihydro-oxazolo[5,4-d]oxazole 2 in good yields. Scheme 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]