Synthesis of quaternary 3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazolium salts

The reaction of dihydroimidazole-2-thiol with N-(3-chloro-2-oxopropyl)phthalimide gave 2-3-(4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylsulfanyl)-2-oxopropyl]-1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindole which underwent intramolecular heterocyclization to dihydroimidazothiazole system by the action of a dehydrating agent. Treatment of 3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo2,1-b]thiazole with concentrated hydrochloric acid led to the formation of dihydroimidazo2,1-b]thiazol-3-ylmethanamine. Water-soluble quaternary 3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo2,1-b]thiazolium salts were obtained by alkylation of 3-(1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-2-ylmethyl)-5,6-dihydroimidazo2,1-b]thiazole with alkyl halides.