The reaction of molecular bromine (Br2) with arylthioureas is known to produce 2- aminobenzothiazoles (Hugerschoff reaction). We show here that benzyltrimethylammonium tribromide (1, PhCH2NMe3Br3), a stable, crystalline organic ammonium tribromide (OATB), can be readily utilized as an alternative electrophilic bromine source. It is easier to control the stoichiometry of addition with an OATB, which minimizes aromatic bromination caused ...
