K2S as Sulfur Source and DMSO as Carbon Source for the Synthesis of 2-Unsubstituted Benzothiazoles.

We describe a three-component reaction of o-iodoanilines with K2S and DMSO that provides 2-unsubstituted benzothiazoles in moderate to good isolated yields with good functional group tolerance. Electron-rich aromatic amines and o-phenylenediamines instead of o-iodoanilines provided 2-unsubstituted benzothiazoles and 2-unsubstituted benzimidazoles with and without K2S under similar conditions. Notably, DMSO plays three vital roles: carbon source, solvent, and oxidant.