Three-component cyclization of 2-chloronitrobenzenes, sulfoxonium ylides, and elemental sulfur

Abstract

Synthesis of 2-acyl benzothiazoles from substituted nitroarenes as the starting material is rare. Herein we report a method to allow for the coupling of 2-chloronitrobenzene derivatives, substituted sulfoxonium ylides, and elemental sulfur to afford 2-acyl benzothiazoles. Studies regarding scope of functionalities revealed that protected phenol, dimethylamino, and heterocycles groups could be tolerated. That both aryl and alkyl sulfoxonium ylides were competent substrates overcome the current limitation in yielding 2-acyl benzothiazoles from 2-halonitroarenes.