I2/TBHP- Mediated tandem cyclization and oxidation reaction: Facile access to 2-substituted thiazoles and benzothiazoles

The efficient synthesis of 2-substituted thiazoles and benzothiazoles has been accomplished employing readily available cysteine esters and 2-aminobenzenethiols as N and S sources. The reaction proceeds under an I-2/TBHP system and involves a one-pot tandem cyclization and oxidation sequence. A diverse range of aldehydes is amenable for this transition-metal-free protocol, which provides an alternative method to rapidly access thiazole-containing molecules.