Iodine‐Promoted Cascade Redox Cyclization to Access 2‐Arylbenzothiazoles Using Elemental Sulfur

ABSTRACT A straightforward and efficient method has been developed to access a variety of benzothiazole derivatives via cascade reductive annulation. Iodine mediated, one‐pot three‐component reaction of o ‐chloronitroarenes, aryl aldehydes, and elemental sulfur effectively produce benzothiazoles. Moreover, the metal‐free strategy allows the facile synthesis of diverse 2‐substituted benzothiazoles through multiple carbon–heteroatom bonds in good yields. The present protocol features a greener approach, readily accessible reagents, broad substrate scope, high product yields, and operational simplicity.