Iron-catalyzed arylation or aroylation of benzothiazoles with benzylic alcohols and aryl ketones

An iron-catalyzed arylation or aroylation of benzothiazoles with alcohols and aryl ketones via an in situ cross-trapping strategy has been described. Both the use of an iron catalyst and the ratio of substrates are important for this transformation, and this reaction is sensitive to the electronic effects of the substituents.