DMSO was found to activate arylisothiocyanates for self-nucleophilic addition. A subsequent intramolecular C-H sulfurization catalyzed by PdBr2 enables access to a wide range of 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives in moderate to good yields. This is the first example of a DMSO-mediated Pd-catalyzed synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles through cyclization/C-H sulfurization of two isothiocyanates.

S BOND FORMATION; METAL-FREE SYNTHESIS; 2-SUBSTITUTED BENZOTHIAZOLES; TANDEM REACTION; FUNCTIONALIZATION; AZOLES; IMIDAZOHETEROCYCLES; IMIDAZOPYRIDINES; CONVENIENT; AMINATION

South China Agricultural University