Halogenoarylation of allyl isothiocyanate: Synthesis of 2,5‐disubstituted 2‐thiazolines

A new approach to the synthesis of 2‐R‐5‐benzyl‐2‐thiazolines with the use of chloro‐ and bromoarylation products of allyl isothiocyanate with arenediazonium halides was elaborated. The isothiocyanates obtained were reacted with ammonia, aliphatic or aromatic amines, and sodium methoxide. The use of ammonia or weakly basic amines in this reaction allowed. Intermediate thioureas to be isolated. On the basis of ¹H NMR spectra, amino–imino tautomerism of the synthesized 2,5‐disubstituted 2‐thiazolines were analyzed. 2‐Arylamino‐5‐benzyl‐2‐thiazolines exist mainly in the Z‐configuration of the imino form. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 10: 517–525, 1999