Metal-free photo-induced radical C-P and C-S bond formation for the synthesis of 2-phosphoryl benzothiazoles

Abstract We reveal here a visible-light promoted phosphorylation of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers for the first time with concomitant C(sp3)-S bond cleavage and imidoyl C-S formation. Additionally, this method features the use of 3 mol% organic dye Rose Bengal as the photocatalyst without external transition-metal or peroxide oxidants, and provides a novel and environmentally friendly approach for the preparation of a variety of 2-phosphoryl benzothiazoles in moderate to good yields.