Convenient and simple synthesis of 2-aminothiazoles by the reaction of α-halo ketone carbonyls with ammonium thiocyanate in the presence of N-methylimidazole

Substituted 2-aminothiazole derivatives were obtained as a result of N-methylimidazole catalyzed cyclization of α-halo ketone carbonyls with ammonium thiocyanate in water-alcoholic media. The generality of the method has been demonstrated by screening a series of aromatic/heteroaromatic/aliphatic α-halo ketones, α-halo β-diketones, and α-halo β-ketoesters. The developed method is simple, mild, and general route for the preparation of diversely functionalized 2-aminothiazoles in good to moderate yields from readily available starting materials.