Ru-catalyzed direct C-H amidation of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles with sulfonyl azides

Ru-catalyzed direct C-H amidation of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles was developed using sulfonyl azides as the amino source under no external oxidants and free-base conditions to release N2 gas as the single byproduct. The present protocol shows good functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity, providing various structurally versatile amidated 2-arylbenzothiazoles with potential biological and therapeutic activities in moderate to good yields.