Metal-free radical cascade cyclization of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers with alcohols: Synthesis of 2-hydroxyalkyl benzothiazoles

A metal-free radical cascade cyclization of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers with alcohols has been developed. It provides a novel and effective method to synthesize diverse 2-hydroxyalkyl benzothiazoles with broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and moderate to excellent yields.