Visible Light‐Mediated Coupling of Thioureas and 1,3‐Dicarbonyls: Towards a Leaving Group‐Free Synthesis of Aminothiazoles

Abstract

Abstract A synthesis of aminothiazoles from various 1,3‐dicarbonyls and thioureas without a leaving group has been developed. The reaction is photocatalyzed by tetraiodofluorescein, an organic dye. Under irradiation with green LEDs, a sulfur radical is generated in situ from thiourea, followed by addition to the enol tautomer, forming the aminothiazole backbone. This novel strategy provides a greener alternative to the traditional leaving group protocols, with excellent atom economy. magnified image