Cu-catalyzed direct C-H bond functionalization: a regioselective protocol to 5-aryl thiazolo[3,2-b]-1,2,4-triazolesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: General experimental procedures, spectral data and copies of 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c2ob27326h

An efficient, regioselective C-5 arylation of thiazolo[3,2- b ]-1,2,4-triazoles catalyzed by a simple copper catalyst was developed. This arylation proceeded smoothly and tolerated a variety of functional groups (44 examples). A wide range of functionalized thiazolo[3,2- b ]-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were obtained in high yields (up to 99% yield). Possible catalytic cycles of the arylation were also discussed. An efficient, regioselective C-5 arylation of thiazolo[3,2- b ]-1,2,4-triazoles catalyzed by a simple copper catalyst was developed. This arylation proceeded smoothly and tolerated a variety of functional groups (44 examples).