C-H Functionalization of Benzothiazoles via Thiazol-2-yl-phosphonium Intermediates.

Benzothiazoles undergo regioselective C2-H functionalization with triphenylphosphine to form thiazol-2-yl-triphenylphosphonium salts, and these phosphonium salts react with a wide range of O- and N-centered nucleophiles to give the corresponding ethers, amines, and C-N biaryls. The reactions proceed under mild conditions and allow for the recovery of triphenylphosphine at the end of the sequence. In the presence of hydroxide, phosphonium salts undergo disproportionation, resulting in the reduction of the benzothiazole, which is useful for specific C2 deuteration of benzothiazoles.