Three-component selective synthesis of phenothiazines and bis-phenothiazines under metal-free conditions

Org Biomol Chem. 2023 Mar 1;21(9):1920-1926. doi: 10.1039/d3ob00055a.

Abstract

An iodine-containing reagent promoted three-component method for the selective synthesis of phenothiazines and bis-phenothiazines has been developed. The present protocol starts from simple and easily available cyclohexanones, elemental sulfur, and inorganic ammonium salts, selectively producing phenothiazines and bis-phenothiazines in satisfactory yields under aerobic conditions. This method has the advantages of simple and readily available starting materials and metal-free conditions, affording a facile and practical approach for the preparation of phenothiazines and bis-phenothiazines.