Efficient synthesis of 2-aryl benzothiazoles mediated by Vitreoscilla hemoglobin

We reported the synthesis of 2-aryl benzothiazoles catalyzed by Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb). With TBHP (tert-Butyl hydroperoxide) as oxidant, DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) as solvent, 0.05 mol% VHb loading, the oxidation reaction was catalyzed to produce corresponding 2-aryl benzothiazoles in excellent yield (85%-97%) within 5 min at room temperature. Notably, this strategy had the advantages of high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and wide substrate scope, indicating its valuable application in the biocatalysis of non-natural oxidative reactions.