An analysis on the transmission of electron density through sulphur atoms in the quaternization reactions of benzothiazoles

The kinetics of quaternization of a number of 2-substituted benzothiazoles with alkyl iodides and phenacyl bromide have been studied in nitrobenzene. The order of reactivity of different substituted benzothiazoles has been found to be –H > NO2 > Cl. The relative reactivity of 2-amino and 2-methyl derivatives has been ascribed to a solvation phenomenon. The analysis of rho values from the Hammett equation suggests two possible routes for the transmission of electron density.