Visible light-induced hydroxyalkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with alcohols via selectfluor oxidation

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, leading to corresponding C2 ether-substituted 2H-benzothiazoles with high regioselectivity. (C) 2020 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.