Copper-catalyzed three-component synthesis of benzothiazolethiones from o-iodoanilines, isocyanide, and potassium sulfide.

An efficient copper catalyzed strategy for the synthesis of a variety of benzothiazolethione derivatives has been developed. In the presence of CuCl, the three-component reaction of o-iodoanilines and K2S with p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide proceeded smoothly to obtain the corresponding benzothiazolethiones in good to excellent isolated yields. Notably, isocyanide functioned as a carbon source and K2S functioned as a sulfur source in this reaction.