A facile and effective C–H functionalization strategy for the synthesis of 2-mercaptobenzothiazoles and 2-mercaptobenzoxazoles is described. 1,3-Propanedithiol was employed to convert benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles to the corresponding heteroarylthiols in the presence of potassium hydroxide and DMSO. This novel protocol is featured by direct C–H mercaptalization of heteroarenes and a simple reaction system.

benzothiazole; benzoxazole; C–H functionalization; mercaptalization; 1,3-propanedithiol

Shenyang Pharmaceutical University; Dalian University of Technology