A simple synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles and its application to palladium-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck reaction

A variety of 2-arylbenzothiazoles were prepared by the direct reaction of 2-aminobenzenethiol and aryl aldehydes by the aid of activated carbon (Shirasagi KL or Darco® KB) under oxygen atmosphere. 2-Pyridylbenzothiazole, thus obtained, was proved to work as an efficient ligand in palladium-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck reaction.