Abstract A visible-light induced metal-free approach was described for the hydroxyalkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with alcohols by using selectfluor as the oxidant. A variety of 2H-benzothiazoles and alcohols could be tolerated, providing a mild and simple method for the synthesis of C2-hydroxyalkylated 2H-benzothiazoles in moderate to good yields. Besides, ethers were also compatible in this reaction
catalysis and hydrogen atom transfer to achieve the alkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with alcohols, ethers, lactams, amides and alkane, which features broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Notably, alcohols can be used not only as hydroxyalkylating reagents, but also as dehydroxyalkylating reagents in this regulable alkylation protocol. The previous elusive self-photocatalytic