ZnO-NPs catalyzed condensation of 2-aminothiophenol and aryl/alkyl nitriles: Efficient green synthesis of 2-substituted benzothiazoles

The synthesis of 2-substituted benzothiazoles has been described using ZnO-nanoparticles as a catalyst. The condensation of 2-aminothiophenol and aryl/alkyl nitriles resulted in the formation of various 2-substituted benzothiazoles under solvent-free reaction conditions. The library of 2-substituted benzothiazoles has been synthesized in good to excellent yield. The reaction has shown a wide range of functional group compatibility for both varyingly substituted 2-aminothiophenols and nitriles. The protocol has many advantages such as faster reaction rate, mild reaction conditions, various functional group compatibility, excellent yield, solvent-free reaction conditions, easy recovery of materials, and excellent catalyst recyclability, among others. The various advantages of this protocol make it a more feasible, economical, and environmentally benign process.