Cu-Catalyzed, electron-relayed three-component synthesis of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles with cathodic ammonia evolution

A novel one-pot, three-component reaction of 2-aminothiophenols, aldehydes and malononitrile was studied under electrochemical conditions. The reaction was conducted using TBABF4 as an electrolyte and CuI as a catalyst in an undivided cell at room temperature. The proposed reaction mechanism showed that CuI acted as an "electron relay". A CuI-catalyzed, one-pot, three-component reaction of benzaldehydes, 2-aminobenzothiol and malononitrile is described, wherein CuI plays an electron relay. The method features simplified operation, highly atom economy, and mild reaction conditions.