Preparation of halogenated derivatives of thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole via direct electrophilic aromatic substitution

Chlorination and bromination reactions of thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole led to the generation of its mono- and dihalogenated derivatives. These are the first instances of successful direct electrophilic aromatic substitution in the thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole ring system. X-ray analysis demonstrates that both 2-bromothiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole and 2,5-dibromothiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole are planar structures, with strongly manifested pi-stacking in the solid state. Theoretical analysis of the pyridine-catalyzed halogenation (MP2/6-31+G(d) and B3LYP/6-31+G(d) calculations) reveals that introduction of one halogen actually leads to a slightly enhanced reactivity towards further halogenation. Several halogenation mechanisms have been investigated: 1) The direct C-halogenation with N-halopyridine as electrophile; 2) C-halogenation via intermediate N-halogenation, and 3) C-halogenation following an addition - elimination pathway, with intermediate formation of a cyclic halonium ion. The theoretical studies suggest that the direct C-halogenation is the favored mechanism.