A Simple, convenient and highly efficient I2‐catalysed approach has been unfolded towards the synthesis of highly fluorescent β‐carboline C‐1(3)‐tethered thiazolo[4,5‐c]carbazoles, naphtho[2,1‐d]thiazoles and benzothiazole derivatives using Kumujian C as a template. This domino strategy proceeds through assembly of 1‐formyl‐9H‐β‐carbolines, arylamines and elemental sulfur via formation of one C–N and two C–S bonds in a single operation. Importantly, the methodology was found applicable to β‐carboline acetals also. A diversely substituted library of 37 β‐carboline tethered arylthiazole hybrids was prepared in excellent yields. The strategy was found appropriate for gram scale synthesis also. The photophysical properties of these fluorophores were also estimated and showed excellent fluorescence properties with quantum yield (ΦF) up to 92 %.

A transition metal-free gram-scale strategy has been formulated to access 2-(2′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole based luminescent materials via the formation of one C–N and two C–S bonds in a single operation.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract