A modular synthesis of selectively-substituted pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazoles (D 6 isomeric form) has been implemented, involving a distinctive bicyclization reaction of a mucobromic acid derivative followed by a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling. A novel process of D 6 to D 7 isomerization of the pyrrolothiazole structure was uncovered that appears to involve a 1,4-addition-1,2-elimination mechanism. Preparation of 1,5-dihydropyrrol-2-one structures, selectively substituted at the 3-and 4-positions, was also achieved using the mucobromic acid synthon in a reductive amination process.

Several pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazoles are obtained via a bicyclization reaction of mucobromic acid derivatives (III) with D‐penicillamine (IV).