Substituted benzothiazoles are synthesized by metal-catalyst-free three-component reactions of o-iodoaniline, quaternary ammonium salt, and sulfur powder in water with moderate-to-excellent yields up to 95%.
Benzothiazoles and thiazolopyridines are widely prevalent in pharmaceuticals and organic materials. Herein, we report a metal- and reagent-free method for the uniform synthesis of benzothiazoles and thiazolopyridines through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-catalyzed electrolytic C–H thiolation. This dehydrogenative coupling process provides access to a host of benzothiazoles and