Iron-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation of Heterocyclic C-H Bonds

An efficient, iron-catalyzed C-H alkylation of benzothiazoles by using alkyl diacyl peroxides and alkyl tert-butyl peresters which are readily accessible from carboxylic acids to synthesize 2-alkylbenzothiazoles is developed. This reaction is environmentally benign and compatible with a broad range of functional groups. Various primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups can be efficiently incorporated into diverse benzothiazoles. The effectiveness of this method is illustrated by late-stage functionalization of biologically active heterocycles.