Copper-Catalyzed Coupling of Oxime Acetates with Isothiocyanates: A Strategy for 2-Aminothiazoles.

A new strategy for 2-aminothiazoles is developed via the copper-catalyzed coupling of oxime acetates with isothiocyanates. Various 4-substituted and 4,5-disubstituted 2-aminothiazoles were formed smoothly under mild reaction conditions. This process involved copper-catalyzed N-O bond cleavage, activation of vinyl sp(2) C-H bonds, and C-S/C-N bond formations. It is noteworthy that the oxime acetates were used not only as a substrate but also as a single oxidant.