Self-photocatalyzed regulable alkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with diverse aliphatic C–H donors

Abstract

Here, we report a mild and efficient method that combines self-photoredox catalysis and hydrogen atom transfer to achieve the alkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with alcohols, ethers, lactams, amides and alkane, which features broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Notably, alcohols can be used not only as hydroxyalkylating reagents, but also as dehydroxyalkylating reagents in this regulable alkylation protocol. The previous elusive self-photocatalytic mechanism was investigated and preliminary results on this catalytic alkylation are reported.