A Catalyst System, Copper/N-Methoxy-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide, for the Synthesis of Phenothiazines in Poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract A copper/ N -methoxy-1 H -pyrrole-2-carboxamide catalyst system has been established for the preparation of phenothiazines in good yields by two routes, starting from 2-iodoanilines and 2-bromobenzenethiol and from aryl ortho -dihalides and o -aminobenzenethiols, by conducting the reaction at 90 °C in poly(ethylene glycol)-100 (PEG-100). In addition, the catalyst system was useful for promoting direct arylation of various aryl amines, aliphatic amines, and aqueous ammonia. The simple experimental operation, low loading of catalyst system together with the use of green solvent, makes it attractive for the versatile syntheses of phenothiazines and various amines.