Efficient synthesis of 2-aryl benzothiazoles mediated by Vitreoscilla hemoglobin

•A new biocatalysis system for the synthesis of 2-aryl benzothiazoles.•High yields of desired products were obtained under mild conditions and in a short reaction time.•The experiment can be easily scaled up for gram-scale synthesis.•Vitreoscilla hemoglobin was used as a biocatalyst to catalyze non-natural reactions.