Visible-light-induced construction of 2-aryl or 2-alkyl benzothiazoles via radical addition cascade cyclization of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers

A visible-light-induced radical addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers has been achieved under metal-free and mild conditions. This method utilizes hydrazines as radical precursors and provides an efficient access to a series of 2-aryl and 2-alkyl benzothiazoles in good yields.