Elemental Sulfur-Mediated Decarboxylative Redox Cyclization ­Reaction: Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of 2-Substituted Benzo­thiazoles

A S 8 -mediated directed decarboxylative redox-cyclization strategy for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzothiazoles from o -iodoanilines, arylacetic acids, and elemental sulfur catalyzed by cheap copper metal has been developed. This reaction is operationally simple, ligand-free, compatible with a wide range of functional groups, and provides the desired products in good to excellent yields. In addition, a gram-scale experiment was carried out to furnish PMX 610, an antitumor drug.