Unexpectedly ligand-free copper-catalyzed C-S cross-coupling of benzothiazole with aryl iodides in aqueous solution

A novel synthetic protocol for 2-aminophenyl sulfide derivatives via the reactions of benzothiazole with aryl iodides was reported for the first time. The reactions were catalyzed by CuCl with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as the base and water as the solvent without ligand at 50 degrees C or room temperature. A variety of aryl iodides underwent the C-S cross-coupling reaction with benzothiazole to afford smoothly the corresponding products in excellent yield. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.