Pd(II)-catalyzed ortho arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazoles with aryl iodides via benzothiazole-directed C-H activation

► Novel arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazoles is described via palladium-catalyzed C-H activation. ► CAr-CAr bond formation proceeded efficiently with good functional-group tolerance and high regioselectivity. ► Proposed mechanism for the arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazole is depicted.