Novel copper/PEG-400 catalyst systems for chemoselective S- and N-arylation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole

A novel approach for chemoselective S- and N-arylation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole was developed by copper/PEG-400 catalyst systems. Copper source and reaction temperature play an important role in this protocol, selective S-arylation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole was achieved by using CuI/PEG-400/50 degrees C catalyst system, while selective N-arylation was achieved with CuO/PEG-400/140 degrees C catalyst system. Both are compatible with a variety of aryl halides and selectively give the desired S- and N-arylation products in good to excellent yields, respectively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.