A One-pot conversion of amino acids into 2,5-disubstituted oxazoles: no metals needed

2,5‐Disubstituted oxazoles with a variety of alkyl and aryl groups are efficiently formed from N‐acylamino acids, by a one‐pot radical decarboxylation–oxidation–enolization and iodine‐promoted cyclization process. Remarkably, the reaction takes place under mild conditions, and no metal catalysis is needed. The process can be useful for the direct modification of small peptides.This work was supported by Plan Nacional de I+D (CTQ2009‐07109 and SAF‐2013‐48399‐R), MICINN/MINECO, Spain, and European Regional Development (FEDER) Funds. I.R.E. thanks CSIC for a JAE predoctoral contract.Peer Reviewe