NaI‐promoted synthesis of 2‐aryl benzothiazole/benzoxazole in aqueous medium

A NaI‐promoted efficient synthesis of 2‐aryl benzothiazoles/ benzoxazoles with various substituted acyl chlorides is described. The reaction proceeded using more environment‐friendly H2O media as a solvent. Mechanism studies verified that the reaction undergoes a ring‐opening process. This novel method could be suitable for benzothiazole and benzoxazole to afford good yields of arylated products. This protocol has the potential for further application due to its broad substrate scopes.