Metal-free isocyanide insertion reaction to benzothiazolyl urea derivatives

•A metal-free synthesis of Benzothiazolyl Urea Derivatives.•A I2 catalysed isocyanide insertion reaction.•cross-coupling of 2-aminobenzothiazole and isocyanides. An efficient iodine-catalyzed reaction of 2-aminobenzothiazole and isocyanides for the synthesis of benzothiazolyl urea derivatives via a metal-free isocyanide insertion reaction is reported. Introducing a simple method for the synthesis of desired benzothiazolyl urea skeletons and use of more acceptable iodine molecule instead of expensive transition metal catalysts are the most important advantages of this strategy. [Display omitted]