Microwave Assisted Greener and Eco-Friendly Approach for Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Arylbenzoxazoles, 2-Arylbenzothiazoles, and 2-Arylbenzimidazoles Using Waste Curd Water

Herein, we have designed a greener and efficient microwave-assisted route for the synthesis of functionalized 2-arylbenzoxazoles, 2-arylbenzothiazoles, and 2-arylbenzimidazoles. These compounds were produced through the condensation reaction involving 2-aminophenol, 2-aminothiophenol, and 1,2-phenylenediamine, respectively, with corresponding aldehydes. Remarkably, this reaction was conducted employing waste curd water as a catalytic solvent and under the influence of microwave radiation. Curd water, a liquid byproduct obtained from the coagulation process during cheese or yogurt production, was harnessed as catalytic solvent for the reaction. The application of emerging microwave-assisted chemistry techniques in combination with greener reaction media dramatically reduces reaction time as well as chemical waste. This investigation not only demonstrates a waste-to-wealth paradigm but also contributes to the mitigation of environmental waste.