Visible-light photoredox catalytic approach for the direct synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from anilines

[Display omitted] •Photocatalytic approach to 2-aminobenzothiazoles.•Visible-light-promoted radical reactions.•Addition/cyclization cascade of thiocyanate and anilines.•Utilization of atmospheric oxygen as an oxidant. A novel, highly efficient and convenient approach for the visible-light-promoted direct synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from anilines and ammonium thiocyanate is presented. The reaction involves addition/cyclization cascade of SCN radical and anilines under photoredox catalysis with Ru(bpy)3Cl2. The salient features of the protocol include the utilization of atmospheric oxygen and visible light as clean, inexpensive and sustainable resources at room temperature.