K₂S as Sulfur Source and DMSO as Carbon Source for the Synthesis of 2-Unsubstituted Benzothiazoles

Abstract

We describe a three-component reaction of <i>o</i>-iodoanilines with K₂S and DMSO that provides 2-unsubstituted benzothiazoles in moderate to good isolated yields with good functional group tolerance. Electron-rich aromatic amines and <i>o</i>-phenylenediamines instead of <i>o</i>-iodoanilines provided 2-unsubstituted benzothiazoles and 2-unsubstituted benzimidazoles with and without K₂S under similar conditions. Notably, DMSO plays three vital roles: carbon source, solvent, and oxidant.