Sodium dithionite-promoted synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles by reaction of 2,2′-disulfanediyldianiline with aldehydes in water

Sodium dithionite-promoted synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles by reaction of 2,2'-disulfanediyldianiline with aldehydes in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate in water has been developed. Possible reaction pathways are discussed and the effects of different promoter on the reaction are investigated. The important features of this methodology are simple work-up, environmentally benign, high yields, metal-free, and inexpensive reagents.