Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzo[<i>b</i>]thiophenes and Benzothiazoles Using Thiocarboxylic Acids as a Coupling Partner

Abstract

An efficient copper-catalyzed approach to benzo[b]thiophene and benzothiazole derivatives using thiocarboxylic acids as a sulfur source has been developed. In the presence of CuI and 1,10-phen, and n-Pr3N as the base, (2-iodobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide and (2-iodophenylimino)triphenylphosphorane reacted smoothly with thiocarboxylic acids to give benzo[b]thiophene and benzothiazole derivatives in good yields via sequential Ullmann-type C-S bond coupling and Wittig condensation.