Efficient, Iron-Catalyzed Synthesis of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Through S-Arylation/Heterocyclization of 2-Haloaniline with Potassium Xanthate

Abstract

A mild and practical method for the synthesis of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole has been developed by using iron as an efficient catalyst. The present tandem reaction process allows access to a wide range of 2-mercaptobenzothiazoles in good to excellent yields by the reaction of 2-haloaniline with potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate in the presence of FeF₃ as a catalyst and 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl as a ligand under an atmosphere of argon.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• 2-Haloaniline
• iron-catalyzed synthesis
• 2-mercaptobenzothiazole
• tandem reaction