Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzothiazoles from Nitrobenzenes, Benzylamines, and Elemental Sulfur via Redox Cyclization.

A sustainable advanced synthetic method was developed based on redox cyclization for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles in good to excellent yields from readily available nitrobenzenes, benzylamines, and elemental sulfur without the use of transition-metal catalysts. This method is remarkable: nitro group reduction, a benzylamine redox reaction, sulfuration, condensation, and cyclization, all proceed in a single step to generate a heterocycle. It is also highly atom-economical and does not require any external oxidizing or reducing agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]