Iodine promoted cyclization of N,N′-diphenylthiocarbamides with enaminones: a protocol for the synthesis of poly-substituted 2-iminothiazolines

An iodine promoted cyclization reaction between N,N'-diphenylthiocarbamides and enaminones was achieved, providing a series of poly-substituted 2-iminothiazolines. This protocol is transition metal free and simple to perform, with a broad functional group tolerance and good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions, showing potential synthetic value for the preparation of a diversity of biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds.