Copper- and Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions for the Synthesis of N-Fused Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole Derivatives via Substituted trans-1,2-Diiodoalkenes, 1H-Benzo[d]imidazole-2-thiols, and Halobenzenes.

Two transition metal (Cu and Pd)-catalyzed C-S, C-N, and C-C bond cross-coupling reactions for the preparation of N-fused benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives were developed. A variety of 3-substituted and 2,3-disubstituted benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles were efficiently and conveniently synthesized from the coupling reaction via trans-1,2-diiodoalkenes, 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-thiols, and halobenzenes in moderate to excellent yields.