Rhodium-catalyzed direct oxidative cross-coupling of 2-aryl pyridine with benzothiazoles

A rhodium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 2-aryl pyridine and benzothiazoles via dual C-H bond functionalization has been developed in the presence of copper salts. The reaction system provides a new approach to heterobiaryl species, which are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals and nature products.