Cascade C(sp³)–S Bond Cleavage and Imidoyl C–S Formation: Radical Cyclization of 2-Isocyanoaryl Thioethers toward 2-Substituted Benzothiazoles

Abstract

A cascade radical cyclization of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers with H-phosphorus oxides, organoboronic acids, or alkyl radical precursors has been efficiently developed, providing a novel and highly efficient methodology to structurally diverse C2-substituted benzothiazole derivatives with broad functional group tolerance and good yields. This cascade radical process achieves the first cycloaddition of an imidoyl radical from isocyanide to sulfur atom, rending C(sp2)–S bond formation.